text: #1. This is mostly about money. Owners are businessmen and in the US most more than likely have no historical attachment to the sport in that they didn't grow up with it. They are in it now because they could not afford or there weren't available any franchises in baseball, football or basketball. THAT'S where the money is. They just don't want a break in the schedule and have their expensive players off somewhere else. At the international level there are rarely any injuries that would threaten the overall income of the owners. Please point some consequences out if you are aware of any.
  
  #2. Being American conservatives/republicans with the money they are used to the ego trip they have with their sports. They still refer to the Miracle On Ice. Perhaps if the rest of the world let them win once in awhile.....