NHL Playoffs & McNair

REALITY -- We've all seen the numbers. NHL is once again getting obliterated in it's T.V. ratings. Interest has dropped off the face of the earth. I'm fairly certain that if the NHL hasn't been able to interest me (who would watch competitive snail smushing if it existed) then it's really lost any ability to win over anyone outside of Canada or the city of Detroit.
Most say the downfall came with the lockout two years ago. I don't downplay the negative outcomes of that lockout but we need to realize that each of the other major sports have recovered from similar work stoppages. Fans can be forgiving. There is something more rotten in the NHL barrel.
It's my contention that the style of the game has a lot to do with it. LIke the NBA the NHL is a playoff sport. Teams kind of slowly pace their regular season to just get by. Once in a while there will be a dramatic game but mostly it's just positioning for the playoffs. (Note my fear that the NFL is risking becoming more this way if they add 2 more playoff teams as KC and others would like). Once in the playoffs, however, the NHL seems to say nothing matters but one thing: the HOT goalie.
More than any other sport i know the entire teams ability or ineptitude can be compensated by the play of a HOT or cold goalie. This is disinteresting to me as it seems to fly in the face of a team concept. the hot starter in baseball is huge (see Schil of 2 years ago) as is the hot hand in basketball (#23) but in each circumstance there was some semblance of a supporting cast.
I may be out to lunch here but it's an issue that, until corrected, will leave me treating NHL much like vanilla ice cream...sure it's nice if i'm given it but i'd never ever choose it.

FANTASY -- The implications of todays Steve McNair trade to Baltimore are significant in my mind. Baltimore has seemed to be a team that needed a QB that was at least serviceable to succeed (See Dilfer of 5 years ago). Their D is old but still on their game. They have the runner and wides to make things go. So I think Baltimore's offense will greatly improve from McNair's addition. However, even improved Baltimore's offense doesn't make me move anyone's stock off the charts, except, their RB. Billick will enjoy running behing his massive OL now that he has at least the threat of the pass. So excuse me while i pass on Steve on draft day but trade up for whoever their 1 back is.
Tennessee? Who cares as there are way too many issues there to start wondering if their QB will put up numbers.