Flames, the Penguins was the most sought after game each year. The first bought even though we put a premium on the matchup.
My BIL who lives in Hawaii is a huge Penguins fan, he has never lived in Pittsburgh. I played Senior AAA hockey in Alberta and 4 of the guys on our team were diehard Penguins fans.
I think Crosby was a big reason, but plenty of fans from Mario times.
I am still waiting for you to have an actual argument to back your statement, but I guess not.