NHL Thriving in NHLPA, IIHF Harmony

Commissioner Bettman declares the league sits prettier than ever with the NHLPA and IIHF, a far cry from the old Olympic standoffs that choked promotion like Crosby's golden goal. Years of friction over season pauses and IOC red tape have thawed into real collaboration, setting up best-on-best hockey in Milano Cortina. Front offices breathe easier knowing this foundation could lock in NHL stars at future Games, boosting the global game without the usual headaches.