I get what you are saying here about the hockey fans but I hope there are other fans like me out there: I follow both hockey and football closely. The first division 1 playoff game on the same day of playing a non conference hockey game in New York = no brainer for me as I will be glued to every second of the football game.
Edit: If i still lived up there I would attend in person and drag people with me. I feel like I did my part in taking in two games in person this season (1 home, 1 away) Pretty good for living 1,000 miles from campus. Also- huge props for those making big trips; Respect.