Commenter Rocket writes about hockey every week in a feeble attempt to counter-balance all of our NBA posts. Rocket? --------

All things considered, I am a pretty lucky guy.

I have my health. I have a beautiful, patient, loving wife. I am less likely than Swamptown to wind up waking up on Dave Hakstol's lawn with absolutely no memory or regrets. And thus far Stu has abided by the restraining order – even though it was issued by the High Court of the Montana Militia and is of questionable enforceability (unless we're in Montana were it is very, VERY enforceable). I also have the kind of career where I am afforded the freedom and opportunity to see and enjoy different parts of this crazy country. Most recently, I spent a little time in New York, where I was able to catch a Rangers game.

(above: the Rangers and Florida Panthers collide in one of the NHL's most storied rivalries) Over the last 10 months or so, my career, being what it is, has allowed me to see home games of not only the Rangers, but the Carolina Hurricanes and the Minnesota Wild as well. And during those experiences I couldn't help but notice some very distinct differences between the very distinct crowds. For instance … Arena celebrities Minnesota Wild: Whoever did the traditional "Let's Play Hockey" introduction was not memorable enough for me to even remember who she/he was. Carolina Hurricanes: At a recent game we were graced by the presence of none other than ESPN's Stuart Scott. New York Rangers: Flush with excitement of the Giants qualifying for the playoffs, they first showed tight end Bear Pascoe on the Jumbotron. Then, while merely showing the normal crowd shots they display at every sporting event, they just happened upon Food Network host Ann Burrell. But this is New York, so those were only the appetizer and palate cleanser to the real main course: Bill Clinton. That's right, BILL [REDACTED] CLINTON was at the game. Behavior of the crowd Minnesota Wild: A knowledgeable fan base will sit stoically on its hands until a significant, positive development is achieved by the home team. New York Rangers: A knowledgeable fan base will lean forward in their seats in rabid anticipation at the slightest legitimate hint at a significant, positive development for the home team. Carolina Hurricanes: A not-quite-as-knowledgeable fan base is pleasantly surprised once they finally realize there has been a significant, positive development for the home team. Family friendliness Minnesota Wild: Very family friendly, with youngsters all about. Carolina Hurricanes: Disturbingly family friendly. Anyone without a baby strapped to his/her chest and/or holding onto a zig-zaging toddler who is testing the limits of the attached adult's arm ligaments quickly begins to feel like a social pariah. New York Rangers: Not so family friendly. I'm pretty sure the only kids we saw were a couple of street urchins who had shanked a guy to get into the building and were subsisting on discarded hot dogs and half empty beers. Arena concessions New York Rangers: A surprising and disappointing lack of anything but the very basics. Carolina Hurricanes: Most of the same, boring stuff you can find anywhere with the exception of some pretty decent barbeque. Minnesota Wild: A glorious bounty of deliciously horrific foodstuffs that is in no way, shape, or form designed to combat the stereotype that Midwesterners are doughy pudgeballs who could lose half of their body weight and still be obese. What you are likely to hear in each arena Carolina Hurricanes: The incongruous sound of hockey and its terminology filtered through a Southern accent. Minnesota Wild: Polite silence. New York Rangers: At least three languages, all with that same New York attitude. As you can see from the above picture, we didn't have the greatest seats in the house. Some guy sitting next to me and Rockette leaned over to his friends and said, "I had a better view on my Sega Genesis." Best between period entertainment Minnesota Wild: Little kid hockey. Carolina Hurricanes: Little kid hockey. New York Rangers: Little kid hockey.