How was poker made so popular in the United States? The explanation might come from where you least expect it. Poker has shot to world fame because the games and stars have been televised. ESPN was the first network to televise the main events, and made players like Phil Helmuth, Phil Ivey, Mike Matusow, Doyle Brunson, household names.

But this phenomenon did happen by accident so to speak. After the lock-out of hockey and the networks, particularly ESP scrambling to fill the blank spots on their network where hockey once aired, they tried broadcasting several different sports. They tried bass-fishing (yawn), the tried bowling (yawn) they even tried ping-pong (double yawn).

But once a genius decision to air a final table at the main event in Las Vegas was made Texas Holdem and poker was shot to the top. As ratings sky rocketed, and advertisers scrambled to get their names on everything from a poker table to a baseball hat a player was wearing, poker was here to stay.

So all you poker fanatics, hail a silent thank you to the nearest hockey rink and an even greater thank you to Gary Bettman and the NHL for screwing up a great game, but making room for another great game. A classic move of a win, lose, win situation.

And guess, what? Hockey is back, with new rules and a more exciting game, and now we have poker to play, whenever the NY Rangers break your heart once again. Good luck at the poker tables.