Rivals and Proximity

Maybe one reason why the opening night game broke a Versus rating record was because it was between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, two rivals from the Original 6 days. I understand the rivalry between the two teams. Many Wings fans say their most intense rival is the Leafs, even more so than the Colorado Avalanche.
It's too bad the Wings and Leafs are in different conferences and don't play more often. I get that too. I'd like to see them play each other more often.
What I don't get is complaining about it like Bill McGraw from the Detroit Free Press did.

For much of the 20th Century, the Wings and the Leafs, their hometowns separated by only four hours on Highway 401, enjoyed a fine rivalry. But nowadays, thanks to the NHL schedule and division lineup, the Leafs rarely come to town and we have to watch Nashville and Columbus every other week.

Maybe he didn't get the news the NHL is now back to its pre-lockout schedule. They play at least once a season. Is it as good as two or more? Nope, but it's better than once every three years like the past three seasons. Things change. Maybe they'll change again to include more Wings and Leafs games. Things change. There's 30 teams now not six. It's time to be realistic regarding schedules, and at least the NHL made a step back in the right direction this season.

According to Google Maps Detroit to ...
Toronto = 246 mi – about 4 hours 6 mins
Columbus = 201 mi – about 3 hours 42 mins
Chicago = 282 mi – about 4 hours 31 mins
Nashville = 534 mi – about 8 hours 22 mins
St. Louis = 550 mi – about 8 hours 36 mins

In any case proximity helps in what team will be a rival, but it's not the only factor.