NHL needs to return to ESPN

[schulzte 18]

Remember, it took a while for ESPN 2 to be carried by everyone, which is the most important thing right now. I don't think ESPN is going to make "The Tres" to show hockey games and extreme fighting.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

This would be like John-Wayne Bobbitt getting back together with his wife. The NHL should not forgive espn for the s***ty way in which it treats hockey, and the way it treated it during its last several years on the network. espn can go f*** off with all their poker coverage for the rest of their lives.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

It'd be sweet for the NHL to have the best of both worlds IMO - that being keeping coverage with VS and getting back on the shnide with ESPN at the same time. Not realistic to me in my opinion.

Before I divulge further, I'm not one that's really hard to please. I don't particually pay attention to on-ice analysis, commentary, and all that stuff, I'm just interested in the game, I'm interested in the game. Just give me decent coverage and a clear screen on TV and I'm satisfied 99 times out of 100. So, you might want to take what I say further and throw it in the trash since my expectations aren't really high, but I'll go on.

I like the coverage on Versus. Even though they have broadcasted more college football games with regularity now (last season it was just Mountain West Conference games, this season it was MWC/Big 12/Pac 10) and continuing to broadcast such things as fights, bullrighting, outdoor sports etc., they still put a large focus on hockey during the evening time most days during the week I think, much more focus than ESPN did I think.

However, if you want the NHL to get to more casual people, I don't care how bad the NHL might have been "treated" by ESPN or how much people in here despise ESPN more than getting a slobbering kiss on the cheek from your 90-year old grandma, it needs to get back on that network.

That being said, for me personally again, I could care less where games are on, whether it's VS or ESPN. It could be on A&E or the Cartoon Network or The Learning Channel for all I care. Just be on SOMEWHERE and I am happy.

[96warrior 11]

Report- Return To ESPN In The Hands Of The NHL

by Paul on 12/12/07 at 03:21 PM

Comments (3)

from Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated,

The door is open, then, for ESPN.

According to an ESPN source, the network could be interested if it saw a fit in terms of cost and content. The network would require playoff hockey and one night of exclusivity during the regular season. “It’s totally in the NHL’s hands,†the source said.

As one media critic expressed it, does the NHL want to be No. 7 on ESPN or No. 1 on Versus? The league does indeed receive more loving care from Versus than it did on ESPN, despite the half-hour show ESPN2 used to give it nightly, but its absence from the cable heavyweight has taken hockey one step further from the national conversation.

more

[Mudvayneowns91 0]

I don't see how they say Versus has NHL number 1.......... I see more stupid rodeo crap and gun shows than I see the 2 NHL games they show every week.

edit - spelling

Edited December 12, 2007 by Mudvayneowns91

[auxlepli 17]

Because Versus treats the NHL with respect something ESPN doesn't do, and I doubt seriously would if it even goes back. Does ESPN want all of the NHL playoffs or just some? I agree Versus needs to show more than just two nights of hockey per week for marketing the NHL effectively. Versus and the NHL are really missing the boat on this in my opinion. Since Versus only showcases hockey two nights per week, I wouldn't mind seeing another night on ESPN. That would be great in my opinion.

[Guest DetroitIan]

That article is totally correct. I know soooo many people who don't even have versus. But almost everyone has ESPN.

[Vladiator 116]

Some good arguments on this thread. It's hard to say goodbye to VS even though the NHL is VS #1 baby, but VS really does suck ( I get it and enjoy the HD games, but the commentators have to go). I think that the NHL needs to spread across a few networks. ESPN and Barry suck but they the most nationally exposed sports network.

As mentioned, there is still USA, TNT and TBS which might embrace a "Hockey Night in America" which I think is a really good idea.

Guess I am spoiled because I get CBC, VS, & FSD (and finally Fox 2 is back) on Buckeye here in the Toledo area so I get to watch every game. Point being is that the NHL needs to spread its exposure regularly over at least few networks if it wants to gain a bigger fan base.

[Heaton 1]

I get it and enjoy the HD games, but the commentators have to go

You don't like Doc Emrick?

[auxlepli 17]

I like Doc. Plus he's a Hoosier.

So he has those two things going for him.

[StaticWithABeat 0]

ESPN needs a new channel dedicated to Mixed Martial Arts and Hockey.. 2 of the biggest sports that they dont cover much at all if any..

Haha...if there was a channel that showed nothing but MMA, hockey, scrubs, and south park I would be set for life.

Too bad the NHL didn't look at Spike TV after ESPN gave them the boot.

[mmorland 16]

In case you all missed it.....

earlier this year, it was reported that ESPN and the NHL have been in talks about having a TV contract in the near future. It might be structured somewhat similar to the NBA's deal with TNT & ESPN. NHL would split games between ESPN & Versus. I'd be all for that.

Any takers?

[auxlepli 17]

Too bad the NHL didn't look at Spike TV after ESPN gave them the boot.

I thought the NHL did, but I could be mistaken.

earlier this year, it was reported that ESPN and the NHL have been in talks about having a TV contract in the near future. It might be structured somewhat similar to the NBA's deal with TNT & ESPN. NHL would split games between ESPN & Versus. I'd be all for that.

Any takers?

Yes. Though I don't want the entire playoffs on one network or even with one company.