Is there favoritism in NASCAR that allowed Dale Earnhardt Jr. to pass Matt Kenseth illegally and win the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday?

Sure.

There are double standards in every pro sport except hockey. The irony is hockey is the sport that could use a double standard. Hockey is the sport whose TV ratings are lower than Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco’s 1.72 goals-against average.

Hockey needs to protect its superstars so they can exhibit the stickhandling and skating magic that brings people to their feet and promotes the sport.

One of the reasons Pittsburgh Penguins great Mario Lemieux cited for his three-year retirement was the clutching and grabbing which frustrated him and prevented him and other highly skilled players from being able to use their abilities.

Referees were allowing the clutching, grabbing and obstruction and it was bringing the game to a crawl. They made their token effort to cut down on obstruction and holding earlier this season and it improved the game.

But it wasn’t called as much at the end of the season and the referees tend to put their whistles away in the playoffs.

Maybe this is the year they call it. Maybe this is the season in which the highly skilled players are protected from the bearhugs and stick checks that negate their abilities.

The superstars put people in the seats. Fans also turn out to watch the physicality of the sport and the occasional fight.

It’s a lot like NASCAR except NASCAR takes better care of its stars. NASCAR fans cheer for their favorite drivers and enjoy the occasional wrecks.

Why would NASCAR want to tick off the vast majority of the 160,000-plus fans who were on their feet at Talladega cheering for the son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. ?

In all honesty, the decision to allow Earnhardt’s pass may have been the right one. The rule states that you can drive under the yellow line as long as you don’t advance your position.

NASCAR ruled that Earnhardt had already passed Kenseth before he slid under the yellow line so he never advanced his position.

It was close.

But there were plenty of drivers and other personnel who disputed it and said if they had been the ones driving under the yellow line, they would have been black-flagged.

They know Earnhardt Jr. is a huge draw and one of NASCAR’s meal tickets.

UNH is pick to win NCAA title

It is finally the University of New Hampshire’s year to win its first national championship.

This is its fourth Frozen Four appearance in six years.

All the pieces are in place although they will probably be without leading scorer and assistant captain Lanny Gare (separated shoulder).

They have the goaltending in Michael Ayers, the Hockey East co-Player of the Year; a mobile and veteran defense; and plenty of scoring depth.

Their Frozen Four experience edge and superior scoring depth will get them past a Cornell team that is playing in its first Frozen Four since 1980.

UNH has also played a much tougher schedule.

Look for Minnesota to get past a young Michigan team in the other semi. Minnesota has more offensive weapons.

A UNH-Minnesota final would be entertaining.

Ayers makes the difference: 3-2 UNH.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231 or 1-800-310-8600. His email address is lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.