That sigh of relief comes from NBC Sports Network. I mean, how many times can you air Rudy?

NBC Sports Network needs the NHL. It needs Rangers vs. Penguins. The network didn’t get into the business to air college hockey.

Also, the new deal is huge for the regional sports networks, such as Comcast SportsNet in Chicago, where the Blackhawks do solid numbers. There’s been a lot of lost revenue on all fronts.

As for the fans, they will be angry, but they’ll be back. There’s only one NHL, and the league was trending up with strong ratings during last year’s playoffs. Maybe, we’re just a bunch of saps, but the fans always forgive and forget.

Best part of this deal: It will last for at least eight years with opt-out clauses, and possibly 10 years. It will be a long time before we have to go through this nonsense again.