‘Two years ago, at the conclusion of the last NHL regular season that preceded the historic lockout, none of those four clubs were even part of the post-season. The Sabres had only recently emerged from bankruptcy, the Ducks were for sale, the Carolina franchise seemed doomed to mediocrity as a commercial concern and the Oilers were fighting the good fight to stay alive, believing Gary Bettman’s promises that better days were ahead.’
NHL's paupers become princes
Source: Toronto Star