well the nhl lockout here killed hockey. I cant remember the last time a nationally televised hockey game was on tv, other than the cool games at the baseball parks the last couple years.
If you asked americans who mike modano is (arguably one of our best us born players) they vast majority answer who be huh?
If you asked who sidney crosby was here the answer would be huh?
I do not think you would have that response north of the border.
I have attended dozens of games here from ma to tx over the years and yes i agree the fans are intense but i would say an average dallas stars fan does not compare to the average bruins fan in dedication. But a bruins fan would compare to a senators fan.
So i think the further south you go, the less dedication and overall fan base there is.