I explain it like this:
The NHL can sway game outcomes by, let's say 5% (just spit balling numbers). In the same way Vegas manipulates 5% in favour of the house to make oodles of $, so would any other billion dollar corporation (like the 'NHL).
No one (sane) is arguing the game outcomes are set, were suggesting that parity of teams (bettman) plus 5% in favour of the house equals the league's desired outcomes in most cases.