Pittsburgh: A hockey town.

Sure we're not Montreal, or Toronto.  But we are still one of the league's biggest "hockey towns".  Last year, the Penguins ranked number 1 in TV ratings despite being in the bottom 10 in city populations (out of NHL teams, of course).  People are passionate about hockey.  During the lockout, 20,000 flocked to see College Hockey last month

The Penguins have sold out over 200 consecutive home games (not including playoffs).

Penguins merchandise ranks in the top 5 sold countrywide out of all 30 NHL teams.

When word came out early on sunday morning that the NHL lockout would end on its 107th day, the city of Pittsburgh rejoiced.  People wore their Penguins apparel around town,  Social media was buzzing with Penguins predictions, and local newspapers and radio stations scrambled to start their Penguins coverage/scouting reports.

Keep your Detroit, keep your Montreal.  Pittsburgh is just as much a hockey town as anyone.