In case you've been dead to NHL news lately, Kevin Lowe, The current general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, finally decided to fire back some harsh words to fellow general manager (of the Anaheim Ducks) Brian Burke, who has, since Lowe signed Ducks RFA Dustin Penner to a huge offer sheet, taken numerous shots has his ability to manage a team. So how does the NHL respond to this? Gary Bettman scolds both of them for this public display of animosity through a conference call. Not only is this the equivalent of a slap on the wrist, but if it is a legitimate punishment, it is a weak one. I think the greater likelihood is that this is a thinly veiled attempt to garner even more attention to the situation, and correspondingly the NHL. Even if it was a legitimate attempt to stop this from continuing or happening more, why did the NHL wait till Lowe rebutted, rather than telling Burke to stop attacking his colleague for doing something well within the rules of the current collective bargaining agreement? This situation never gets anywhere near the level it has if the NHL steps in and prevents Burke after the first attack on Lowe. That is the reason I think this may be a situation manipulated for the publicity of the NHL. While the dislike between the two GMs is probably genuine, I feel that Bettman and his associates are probably playing it for the sports benefit. As much as I may not like Gary Bettman, it can't be denied that he is a hell of a shrewd businessman, and this would be a good move for the sport. While most other sports in America don't have major publicity in the off season (with the exception of the baseball steroids thing and NFL players getting arrested), if these small incidents continue through the summer, the league starts next season at the level of interest it has maintained all summer, possibly resulting in a higher level of interest through the season. Yeah, that's probably all just made up stuff. But still, it's an interesting thought, isn't it? As a hockey fan I would almost like to see that happen. Though the reputation of the NHL might get a little tarnished, the potential benefit to the popularity of the league is something I would certainly like to see.