DraperFan MN 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 The NHL has to advance the game in the States. I think what can be discerned here, and is very alarming, how little bargaining power the NHL has with the NBC. The NHL is allowing a network which doesn't pay them any cash at all dictate the scheduling of their games. Only the die hard hockey fan in America in the middle of April are going to change the channel to a hockey game during a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, Americans watching TV at that time are watching Nascar BUSCH series racing. The NHL has so little bargaining power it could not push the NBC to air these games (games in which it's brightest, best, and most compelling star is playing) during primtime on a Saturday night, striking a compromise and keeping the CBC happy. Bettman and everyone running the NHL continue to convey their ineptitude. Did they not have the foresight to see this happening when they agreed with Comcast/Versus and NBC? Do they have a marketing plan to help grow the game and help it succeed during what is without a doubt the best playoff in North American professional sports? The answer to those questions, unfortunately, is no. The CBC should be mad, and for more than one reason. Hopefully execs at CBC start to put pressure on Canadian owners who will then start a revolution, and axe Gary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Dynasty 267 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 ^^^ You guys are right. I live in Canada, and if I want to see it, I will turn on NBC. I know some ppl are making the arguement that its turning its back on Canadians, but that isn't that base for the arguement. It is that CBC is paying Huge dollars for the rights and isn't getting what it payed for. Atleast there should be some form of compinsation for this. There is, no matter who is in the finals, it wil be in primetime. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Are you not getting it yet? The NHL doesnt care what Canadian viewers would rather watch. Because they know Canadians will still stay loyal, and watch it whenever its aired. This is about expanding interest in America. And to the NHL , thats what matters. And from a business standpoint, I completely agree. Actually I get it loud and clear..the difference with me is I won't sugar coat it like the majority of people do. Let me spell it out for you. The NHL is dead in the USA. People don't watch it..(except for the obvious few good hockey markets)..people dont want to watch it so why is the NHL force feeding a product down their throats... give it a rest..its borderline desperate begging at this point and its sickening. Will the league suffer without the NBC broadcasting games?...how could they..they didn't pay a dime for rights...will the league suffer if a bunch of american teams folded this minute..probably but they would get through it. We all know this game is popular along the Canada-Us border and thats about it except for a few other US markets. The NBC has done nothing to deserve the right to pick games but they get to and the CBC is getting s*** on because of it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevieY9802 6 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Actually I get it loud and clear..the difference with me is I won't sugar coat it like the majority of people do. Let me spell it out for you. The NHL is dead in the USA. People don't watch it..(except for the obvious few good hockey markets)..people dont want to watch it so why is the NHL force feeding a product down their throats... give it a rest..its borderline desperate begging at this point and its sickening. Will the league suffer without the NBC broadcasting games?...how could they..they didn't pay a dime for rights...will the league suffer if a bunch of american teams folded this minute..probably but they would get through it. We all know this game is popular along the Canada-Us border and thats about it except for a few other US markets. The NBC has done nothing to deserve the right to pick games but they get to and the CBC is getting s*** on because of it!! you make it sound like CBC doesn't get the game at all. I agree its s***ty that NBC gets to pick what games it wants but CBC still get it just not in primetime. It could be worse. CBC could have been shutout of showing the game at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 There is, no matter who is in the finals, it wil be in primetime. Is that written in stone and even if it is if Crosby makes it to the finals don't you think NBC will pay 374 million dollars for some 1pm games? We all know their money will be good!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motorcitykid 42 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 The scheduling sucks. This isn't baseball - sunny days & open roof stadiums. Once the NHL playoffs start, there should never, ever, EVER!!!!!!!! be day games. It's a joke and i'm sick of the Wings getting shafted. Seems the only team they WON'T do it to is Toronto. Ask Bettman why. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevieY9802 6 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Is that written in stone and even if it is if Crosby makes it to the finals don't you think NBC will pay 374 million dollars for some 1pm games? We all know their money will be good!! They didn't do it last year. They were all at night. NBC follows what worked for the NBA. The early round games, ie rounds 1 and 2 get afternoon games when on nbc, and conference finals and final games are at night. ABC/ESPN did the same thing. They've been doing it for years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Maybe the problem is that CBC is cutting the NHL a cheque rather than a check. Just kidding, not to be taken seriously at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Its called HNIC for a reason , Not afternoon games on NBC That sucks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icteria virens 11 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Maybe the problem is that CBC is cutting the NHL a cheque rather than a check. Just kidding, not to be taken seriously at all. that was an off-colour joke, or an off-color joke?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alowicious 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Why don't they let CBC do the games and let NBC carry the feeds. I hate watching NBC covered games and listening to 4 Color analysts talking about a game other than the one being played and no play by play guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest GodofHockeyStevieY19 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Actually I get it loud and clear..the difference with me is I won't sugar coat it like the majority of people do. Let me spell it out for you. The NHL is dead in the USA. People don't watch it..(except for the obvious few good hockey markets)..people dont want to watch it so why is the NHL force feeding a product down their throats... give it a rest..its borderline desperate begging at this point and its sickening. Will the league suffer without the NBC broadcasting games?...how could they..they didn't pay a dime for rights...will the league suffer if a bunch of american teams folded this minute..probably but they would get through it. We all know this game is popular along the Canada-Us border and thats about it except for a few other US markets. The NBC has done nothing to deserve the right to pick games but they get to and the CBC is getting s*** on because of it!! Trust me bro. I see your point. But the fact remains. The NHL is a business. And what is good for business is pleasing us Americans. Hate to say it, but its true. Because no matter when the game is aired. Every Canadian will still watch and enjoy. But its not the same for majority of the U.S. Hell, alot of states dont even have CBC. But almost anywhere in Canada you can watch NBC. It just comes down to a business decision. And business-wise, it totally makes sense that the NHL would make that move. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 that was an off-colour joke, or an off-color joke?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 'scuse me while I whip this out... LOL! I should add a pic of some cheese. The CBC can suck it! All year long they force Canadians like me and others to stomach one Maple Leaf game after another and then they complain when they're forced to show another Canadian team (there's 6 you know!!!) at a time they don't like. Does my argument make any sense? No. But when you have a 6-pack like mine, you don't have to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hillbillywingsfan 794 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 does the nhl make more money in canada or the US? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alowicious 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 LOL! I should add a pic of some cheese. The CBC can suck it! All year long they force Canadians like me and others to stomach one Maple Leaf game after another and then they complain when they're forced to show another Canadian team (there's 6 you know!!!) at a time they don't like. Does my argument make any sense? No. But when you have a 6-pack like mine, you don't have to. Molson or Labatt? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motorcitykid 42 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Molson or Labatt? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superstarsingh 23 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 CBC has the right to be a little angry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hillbillywingsfan 794 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 :violin: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Molson or Labatt? Labatt! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JayUp88 1 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 :patriot: People in canada are going to watch it no matter what. so what if NBC wants to love sid, hes from canada they should be happy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
North Guy 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 If you are a Detroit fan or a hockey fan for that matter, do you prefer evening games or afternoon games on the weekend? Players are creatures of habit and they are used to playing in the evening. Ever since FOX started showing afternoon games in the early 1990s, I do not recall any memorable, classic afternoon playoff games. Fans get a better performance when players play at night. Look at Detroit's crappy record for afternoon games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank 0 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 If you are a Detroit fan or a hockey fan for that matter, do you prefer evening games or afternoon games on the weekend? Players are creatures of habit and they are used to playing in the evening. Ever since FOX started showing afternoon games in the early 1990s, I do not recall any memorable, classic afternoon playoff games. Fans get a better performance when players play at night. Look at Detroit's crappy record for afternoon games. I definately prefer night games. The weathers getting better and I have a lot better things to do at 1:00 on a Saturday or Sunday than sit inside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Molson or Labatt? Why would anyone pay that much extra just to get a little color in their water? Try drinking a Guinness or a Murphy's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hillbillywingsfan 794 Report post Posted April 10, 2007 Why would anyone pay that much extra just to get a little color in their water? Try drinking a Guinness or a Murphy's. *ducks behind Hank* you know you are starting a war making a comment like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
