I think the NHL would love to see the Leafs advance. I bet ratings would be higher. I know I watch very little after the Leafs are out.
And as much as I think the Leafs often get short-changed by refs, I don't think the refs get marching orders from Bettman & Co. (Well, at least I used to not think so. Now, with the league embracing gambling full on, who the hell knows.)