By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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Q: Have you heard any chatter about the league possibly accelerating the playoff schedule in coming seasons? I realize that everything in pro sports is revenue-driven, that venues may be booked for other events and that travel time must also be factored in. However, consider that in the Carolina series, it will be nearly two weeks from the Pens' victory in Game 7 against Washington until Game 4 against the Hurricanes. I know that the days of a best-of-five playoff series are gone, but there has to be a better way to keep fans (especially casual ones) from getting bored or aggravated while waiting for the next game.

Doug, Dallas

MOLINARI: Travel time really isn't a factor in scheduling -- the league has no problem compelling teams to play a game on one coast and another on the far side of the country two days later -- but arena availability and the demands of TV rights-holders are.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09139/970994-125.stm