It's not as hard as you might think. Possible example:
- SY goes to whoever he needs to go to.
- Bettman steps in.
- SY says there have to be consequences - start fining refs for inconsistent calls
- Bettman sez no
- SY gets 5 or 6 other GMs, they send Bettman a private note saying they're thinking of instituting a review and summary every 20 games of the best and worst (i.e. "ha ha the most significant, Gary - relax!") for discussion and highlighting of "the tough job refs do every game."
- These highlights will be for public consumption.
- And the ball's in Gary's court.
THAT'S how you play hardball.