ill be played on Saturday and Sunday, the first time games 1 and 2 will be played on back to back days since the mid 1950's on NBC. After that the championship series of the sport will be pushed back to versus! A network that no one had heard of until they started showing hockey on it. A network that many hockey fans don't even get on their TV plans. Here is NBC's schedule this week:The show, I'm a celebrity ... Get me out of here! is in the 8-9 spot Monday through Thursday. I had to look up what this was. It's a reality show where celebrities are dropped off on a Costa Rican island and compete in comedy challenges while trying to survive (yeah right). This "reality" show is really stealing TV time from the NHL Stanley Cup Finals? It's too bad for the sport, it looked as though it was on the rise. I know it sucked me in for these playoffs.
Just to clear up a few things nbc actually does not have the rights to games 3 and 4, versus does, that has been the agreement all along. It used to be versus had the rights to games 1 and 2 of the finals and games 3-7 were shown on nbc.
ReplyDeleteWell then that is my mistake. The article i read must have been wrong. Still bad for the sport. All games should be on NBC.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tripper, it is a joke that NBC pushes the NHL around and that all the games are not on network television.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do have to give Bettman some credit in moving the games up to this weekend, instead of next Saturday; nine days between series would be way too much of a layoff. Despite all the complaining from the Red Wings two days is enough time to turn around after a series.
The back to backs from a hockey perspective, is very taxing on the players. In terms of drawing an audience it is wonderful for the sport because of the excitement factor it creates and the possibility drawing the casual fans interest.
Fortunately for the NHL, because of the Lakers close out of the Nuggets last night, the Sunday night game will have no NBA competition. This may allow for a larger viewing audience.
The effect of Canada's viewing audience is also something that is not discussed. The series could have been started on Sunday night, allowing game 2 to be on Tuesday, however the CBC and most Canadiens would be upset at not having their Saturday Hockey Night in Canada. Trust me you don't want to get between a red blooded Canadien and their hockey.
Hopefully it will be a great series. GO PENS.
I totally agree about putting them to this weekend against moving them to next weekend. Gives a better chance for people to watch with the Lakers-Nugs series over. Good input Bill. Thanks bud!
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