Why'd they stop doing this?

[shadow47 1]

I recall in '94 and years around that before the first home game in each city in the Finals they would introduce every player on the team over the PA with a spotlight, just like the All-Star Game. For a league desperate for player recognition and an identity, this seemed like a great idea to help people know the faces who were involved in the biggest series, also made the Finals seem extra special when you had a grinder like a John McIntyre or Tim Hunter getting announced to the crowd, to show that the league appreciated teams and not just the scorers. As the years rolled on, they started only introducing the "starting lineups" which made no sense as this is not basketball/football/soccer where the starters play most/all of the game. So if the coach happened to be starting his third line, that would be the line introduced. Ridiculous. Nowadays I'm not sure they even bother with that...why not bring back the full team introduction?

[toby91_ca 620]

To be honest, I haven't really noticed, I guess I'll watch for it tomorrow night and see what they do.

[Izzy24 44]

Do they not do it at all, or just not on TV?

[Hockey13Playa 240]

This did seem like a good idea, and I have always loved the team introductions. It brings a sense of excitement and hype for your team. It really pumps people up, and the players as well.

For example, the Detroit Pistons previous announcer, who left for Clevland, I can't remember his name though. The fans would go absolutely nuts at the palace.

I think they should bring it back, and its a good point you brought up with league identity. I would love to see this, but highly doubt its going to hapen anytime soon.

[pinkprincess027 0]

We went to the 2nd game in round three. They only anounced the starting line up which happened to be the second line I believe that night.

[WingsZR2 1]

For example, the Detroit Pistons previous announcer, who left for Clevland, I can't remember his name though. The fans would go absolutely nuts at the palace.

John Mason is the current PA, I can't remember who it was before him but Mase does a hell of a job.

Edit

from wiki

Mason was offered an intriguing contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former hometown. He declined the offer, saying that the Pistons gave him so many opportunities, and it was his new home. The Pistons have also given Mason the opportunity to serve as a PA announcer for an NBA title contender.

Edited May 23, 2008 by WingsZR2

[Datsyerberger 279]

The only problem is, in Pittsburgh, it would go something like this

"For yoooour Piiiittsburgh Peeeenguiiins, at center, Sidney Crosby!"

"And on the leeeeft wiiiiiing, Sidney Crosby!"

"Right wing, #87... Sidney Crosby!"

"At defense, the Captain of this Piiiiittsburgh team... Siiiiidney... Crooooosby!"

"Minding the net, with no goals against this season, the one and only.. Sidney Crosby!"

"... Oh, and Evgeni Malkin too."

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

I think they stopped doing this because Bettman was too lazy to have to learn the names of all the players.