Board rejects plans to change schedule

Two proposals that would have ensured that each NHL team played the other at least once fell short of the required two-thirds approval by the Board of Governors on Tuesday. One missed by one vote and the other by two votes.

Commissioner Gary Bettman, who said he favored a change but can’t overrule the board, said the governors took a “prudent, safe course” that allows completion of a three-year scheduling cycle begun after the 2004-05 lockout.

“That’s not an irrational, irresponsible or necessarily unwise decision. And the research we do with our fans is more fans than not like what we have,” he said.

Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Kings’ parent company, says he believes fans want to see every team. This season, the Kings and Ducks don’t play the Northeast division, which includes the Bruins, Maple Leafs and Canadiens from the “Original Six.”

Eastern clubs, Leiweke said, “like it because it reduces travel and wear and tear. I don’t blame Gary on this one. He can’t force-feed us, but he can lead us.

“Sometimes, with owners, it’s like herding cats.”

Bettman, who thanked local organizers for their preparation for tonight’s All-Star game at American Airlines Center, also said the configuration of two conferences with three divisions each would be retained and that expansion was not planned.

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The NHL has forged “tentative agreements” with the players’ association to modify parts of its drug-testing program, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said.

Daly said nothing has been finalized but general accord has been reached to increase the number of tests to which players can be subjected from two no-notice tests per year.

“Potentially, different players on different teams could be subject to different numbers of tests. It reduces the predictability of knowing, essentially, when you’re not subject to testing anymore,” Daly said.

“We’ve also looked at broadening the window within which testing can occur. We’ve talked about going to a four-quarter system in which players are subject to testing in any of the four quarters of the calendar year.”

The NHL did not conduct drug testing until last January. It tests for steroids and other performance-enhancing substances but not for stimulants. It said last June that there were no positive tests among 1,406 performed last season.

Daly said the types of substances tested for would not change this year.

Players will get a 20-game suspension for a first positive test, a 60-game suspension for a second positive test and a permanent suspension that can be reconsidered after two years for a third positive test. A first positive test in Major League Baseball draws a 50-game suspension, a second is a 100-game suspension and a third would bring a lifetime ban.

“We are very satisfied that our program is an effective one, and the results have clearly demonstrated that our sport does not have a problem with performance-enhancing substances,” said Ted Saskin, executive director of the NHLPA.

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Bettman said a resolution to the Penguins’ arena problems will be essential “in a matter of weeks” so next season’s schedule can be set. The Penguins have had talks with the AEG-operated Sprint Center in Kansas City about relocating if they can’t get a new home in Pittsburgh.

“Our goal, our hope, is that the Penguins stay in Pittsburgh,” he said. “But it’s going to be a reality with hard decisions locally relative to the new building.”

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Despite two goals and three assists by Kings center Anze Kopitar and two goals by Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf, the East defeated the West, 9-8, in the Young Stars game. “It was like being out on the pond,” Kopitar said. “Some nice goals, some fun.” ... Getzlaf’s suitcase was lost in transit, so he pieced a uniform together and borrowed gloves from Teemu Selanne. “His hands weren’t in them until the third period,” Getzlaf joked.... Montreal will play host to the 2009 All-Star game, the Canadiens’ centennial year.

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helene.elliott@latimes.com