Why all of the hatred toward U.S., predominantly southern, NHL teams?

I agree with you completely about having teams in the south. I have actually heard that Tampa is one of the cities that has one of the highest levels support. They had crowds of 20,000 when they were just an expansion team. Many probably fear losing the traditional face of hockey with the lack of Canadian team, something in which I also agree with, but today's sports climate isn't about tradition it is about business, and wherever there is a market for the game is where it is going to go. So If a team can be more profitable relocating from Canada to the southern United State, or another none traditional hockey area, so be it.