The NHL often reveals exactly what the league wants hockey to be.

The New York Rangers have beef with Washington and uber-thug Tom Wilson.

On May 3, Wilson manhandled a few Rangers, including superstar winger Artemi Panarin. Panarin missed the season’s last four games with a lower-body injury after being slammed to the ice by Wilson. Wilson was fined but not suspended.

The teams played again two nights later. Three fights broke out the second the puck dropped. There were six brawls in the first period. Dirty play abounded.

The latter game was nationally televised. That’s what the NHL wants hockey to be.

The Rangers have gotten bigger and tougher during the offseason. Of particular intent are winger Ryan Reaves and defenseman Jarred Tinordi. Both have clashed with Wilson before.

So, the Rangers and Capitals open the season Oct. 13 against each other. It’s going to be the first-ever NHL game on TNT, the league’s new broadcast partner.

TNT’s NHL debut won’t feature Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid or the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

TNT’s NHL debut is, instead, a probable bloodbath.

That’s what the NHL wants hockey to be.

TNT likely won’t mind. Neanderthal hockey has the potential to pop a big rating.

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