Hockey is no baseball. I dont' think the year-long lockout damaged the fanbase.
I was working late and missed the game, but as I was riding home, from every bar in the club district and every balcony and open window, it seemed, I could hear the groans and cheers of hockey.
And while I am not the most diehard fan, it is really nice to have it back.
Now when we get the CBC back, my Canadian touchstones will finally be restored.