The Stanley Cup final this year features the Carolina Hurricanes facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights.While the matchup itself is solid, it lacks the star power and widespread excitement seen in other sports finals, such as the NBA or the UEFA Champions League.

The author, Cathal Kelly, argues that parity in the NHL—where teams are kept competitive through salary caps and other mechanisms—has unintended consequences.

Unlike leagues where wealthier or more historical teams dominate, parity ensures that smaller-market or less traditionally successful teams often win the Cup.While this may seem fair, it reduces the spectacle for viewers, as many of the most popular teams rarely make it to the final.

Players gravitate toward teams offering comfortable living conditions and good organizational support rather than legacy or historical prestige, meaning cities like Carolina are more attractive than older hockey hubs.The article critiques the NHL's system as prioritizing fairness over excitement, producing finals that lack the intensity and drama fans expect.

In essence, parity benefits owners and players but often leaves the audience underwhelmed, as historic or highly valued teams are sidelined in favour of teams from smaller markets.