The Bettman Makeover: Essential Info for the 2005-06 NHL Season

Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL owners promised us that a salary cap would "fix" the game of hockey. At the cost of a lost season, an ugly labor war and millions of enraged fans, they got it.

The weeks leading up to this season have seen further promises made - promises of more excitement and a renewal of the on-ice "product." The salary cap also led to a wild summer of player movement, with stars switching teams like never before.

On Wednesday night, the National Hockey League resumes business for the first time in 15 months, as the 2005-06 season opens with all 30 teams in action. It's time for Gary Bettman's NHL to start paying the rent.

If you're just getting reacquainted with the game, here's what you need to know about the new NHL... Read more