Red Wings TV Ratings Down 21%

[dat's sick 1,002]

Excellent point about the jersey's.

During the Cup parade, there were far more jerseys with Yzerman, Shanahan and McCarty in the crowd than Datsyuk and Lidstrom.

That might seem like a sad commentary, but again, I believe it's only human nature to want to follow players that look and talk the same as you.

I don't begrudge anyone in Sweden for wanting his favorite team to have more Swedes. Why wouldn't they?

I just want ONE Canadian or American top 6-forward.

I'd happily trade Cleary+Sammy or Flip for a GOOD top 6 NA forward. And then bring up Helm or Leino or someone from GR.

[Louisville 112]

And Boston roster? They are having a good year now, but they have done absolutely nothing in playoffs for like 35+ years.

Which is why is will be all the sweeter when they do win. I do get your argument though, people seem to forget that Boston was a joke not to long ago. Thornton gone for scraps and 5 million dollar Martin Lapointe.

About the Europeans, if you are from USA what's the difference between Canadian and Swedish player? Neither is American.

I know what your saying but Americans can relate to Canadians a whole hell of lot more than Swedes. It's all about the language and similar cultures. Although, I do happen to like Swedes, and the way Nick talks you wouldn't even know he was Swedish.

Edited January 30, 2009 by Louisville

[WingMachine91 0]

there have been rumors circling about a potential deal with buffalo involving flip for drew stafford which i would jump all over. they really need a second line center and we can get rid of that 3 million and bring in a young potential power forward

[dobbles 252]

i am from a blue collar town in illinois and i love the fact that the wings don't have fights that often. i am glad we don't carry a fighter/goon. so there are fans out here like me that are fine with the fighting thing and you can't dismiss me as from quebec or sweden.

i unfortunately don't get to watch on tv or go to games as i live pretty far from detroit. i watch the games online through atdhe. if i was closer i would do my part to support the team.

my personal thoughts on why ratings are down? complacency. the wings have been good for so long its just not a good story. there's nothing exciting about watching the wings beat down the predators or blue jackets. someone mentioned rivalry which is a big thing. hopefully chicago will become a good one. the problem with rivalries is it has to be 2 sided. so as wings fans we don't consider people rivalries because we generally always win. to columbus or nashville fans, playing the wings is a big deal, but to us, its just another easy division game.

heck, look at all the success chicago is having. the reason everyone is watching is because its exciting. their team has been awful for a decade. so this is something they haven't seen in a while. hockey isn't popular enough in most american markets to have success no matter what. if the team sucks for a while, fans will give up. its not like the chicago cubs where people support the team regardless.

[dat's sick 1,002]

I don't know about a rivalry against Chicago, so far it's been pretty one sided..

San Jose on the other hand has the potential to be a really good one, the last game against them was the most fun game this season imo.

[k3sparks 1]

I totally agree with this thread, if the Wings had more NA talent they might have more interest. I would like to think that when Helm and Abdelkader get moved up, however i think in order to really spark interest i believe they would have to be top 6 forwards. Or maybe if Drapes stayed around then we could have a whole NA 4th line.

[k3sparks 1]

I totally agree with this thread, if the Wings had more NA talent they might have more interest. I would like to think that when Helm and Abdelkader get moved up, however i think in order to really spark interest i believe they would have to be top 6 forwards. Or maybe if Drapes stayed around then we could have a whole NA 4th line.

[The Secret 304]

I watch as many Wings games as I can despite the fact that I have to get up at 2AM and watch the game till 4:30 or so. I don't care if players are from Europe or America. I don't care about fighting either.

And Boston roster? They are having a good year now, but they have done absolutely nothing in playoffs for like 35+ years.

About the Europeans, if you are from USA what's the difference between Canadian and Swedish player? Neither is American.

What's the difference between Canadian an Swedish players? Are you sure you are getting up at 2 am to watch hockey man? 2 totally different styles, 2 totally different mind sets. We Canadians are ferociously in love with our national sport and it shows in the way we play, Similar to Soccer in England or Football in the USA.

[Chelios57 31]

And look where you're from; Sweden. My theory is sound. People will watch players they can relate to. And you can relate to your own nationality. It's only natural.

This only strengthens my point(s).

Nope. I'm from Michigan and I absolutely love the Swedes, Russians, etc.. I think the diversity in this team, and the NHL is what makes it so great.

As for viewership. Big deal. I try to watch as many games as possible, but I can't. I can't afford cable. I'd say the main reason for it is meaningless regular season games. You know where the Wings are going, and you know they're going to do good. Unless you think there's going to be a fight or something big's coming next game, there's not much reason to watch it honestly.

The playoffs are the only thing that REALLY matter when it comes to watching it on T.V.

[Hank 0]

I watch as many Wings games as I can despite the fact that I have to get up at 2AM and watch the game till 4:30 or so. I don't care if players are from Europe or America. I don't care about fighting either.

And Boston roster? They are having a good year now, but they have done absolutely nothing in playoffs for like 35+ years.

About the Europeans, if you are from USA what's the difference between Canadian and Swedish player? Neither is American.

Can I ask what makes you watch the Wings?

As far as a difference between Swedes compared to Canadians, it's obvious.

Canadians and Americans grow up speaking english and have similar names. As much as people don't want to admit it, the difference between Canadians and Americans isn't all that much.

Besides, US teams have been used to seeing Canadian talent since 1910. They've grown accustomed to it.

But saying that, if there were two players of compelte equal skill, one from Canada and one from US I bet most American's would choose the American, just like Canadian's would choose the Canuck.

Does anyone here seriously think Real Madrid would love having a team full of Germans and Russians? No.

And I don't think an NBA team would have as much poppularity if it was made totally up with Croatians and Spainards.

[Chelios57 31]

What's the difference between Canadian an Swedish players? Are you sure you are getting up at 2 am to watch hockey man? 2 totally different styles, 2 totally different mind sets. We Canadians are ferociously in love with our national sport and it shows in the way we play, Similar to Soccer in England or Football in the USA.

And that dictates a Canadians style of play?

Canadians seriously need to get off their high horse. It's the only sport to chose from in most parts of the country. I don't care about hearing about Canadian bulls***. I'm American. We Americans are ferociously in love with hockey (our national sport). I consider my national sport to be hockey. I'm ferociously in love with it. All that 'Canadians national sport/Canada's game' is mostly media bulls***. I for one am sick of hearing about it. I think hockey is a game for the world to share. It's just as much Sweden's game as it is Germany's game.

Cheer's to America's sweet ******* sport hockey!

EDIT: Make that "Cheer's to the worlds sport"

Edited January 30, 2009 by Chelios57

[Hank 0]

Nope. I'm from Michigan and I absolutely love the Swedes, Russians, etc.. I think the diversity in this team, and the NHL is what makes it so great.

As for viewership. Big deal. I try to watch as many games as possible, but I can't. I can't afford cable. I'd say the main reason for it is meaningless regular season games. You know where the Wings are going, and you know they're going to do good. Unless you think there's going to be a fight or something big's coming next game, there's not much reason to watch it honestly.

The playoffs are the only thing that REALLY matter when it comes to watching it on T.V.

I know I"m in the minority here, but I see hockey and sports as forms of entertainment. I can take a Wings loss if the game was fun to watch.

Most Wings games are not that fun to watch anymore. Our style is not something I grew up watching. I can appreciate their skill - no doubt about it. But I'd love more grit and more fights. I don't think that should be a bad thing to say.

[Hank 0]

And that dictates a Canadians style of play?

Canadians seriously need to get off their high horse. It's the only sport to chose from in most parts of the country. I don't care about hearing about Canadian bulls***. I'm American. We Americans are ferociously in love with hockey (our national sport). I consider my national sport to be hockey. I'm ferociously in love with it. All that 'Canadians national sport/Canada's game' is mostly media bulls***. I for one am sick of hearing about it. I think hockey is a game for the world to share. It's just as much Sweden's game as it is Germany's game.

Cheer's to America's sweet ******* sport hockey!

EDIT: Make that "Cheer's to the worlds sport"

Of course it's a game for the world to share, but to say we all play it the same way is naive.

Look at the world juniors. Does anyone else here notice the difference between the Canadian teams from the rest?

All of the teams have skill. But the Canadian teams look like they'd go through a hail of bullets to put the puck in the net. Even the American coaches the past 5 years have said so. They have constantly said that they can match our skill, but their intensity and desire are not at the same level. And they don't know how to change that.

That's not to say that there aren't American players who don't play with that same passion.

But as Canadian's it's natural to be pationate about your country, top sport and athletes of that sport.

Edited January 30, 2009 by Hank

[The Secret 304]

Nope. I'm from Michigan and I absolutely love the Swedes, Russians, etc.. I think the diversity in this team, and the NHL is what makes it so great.

As for viewership. Big deal. I try to watch as many games as possible, but I can't. I can't afford cable. I'd say the main reason for it is meaningless regular season games. You know where the Wings are going, and you know they're going to do good. Unless you think there's going to be a fight or something big's coming next game, there's not much reason to watch it honestly.

The playoffs are the only thing that REALLY matter when it comes to watching it on T.V.

This post clearly outlines the type of fair-weather fan you are. You are not a fan of hockey, and I doubt your much a fan of the Red Wings. I guess if they were a team that never made it to the play offs you'd have no reason to watch hockey at all.

[Chelios57 31]

Of course it's a game for the world to share, but to say we all play it the same way is naive.

Look at the world juniors. Does anyone else here notice the difference between the Canadian teams from the rest?

All of the teams have skill. But the Canadian teams look like they'd go through a hail of bullets to put the puck in the net. Even the American coaches the past 5 years have said so. They have constantly said that they can match our skill, but our intensity and desire are not at the same level.

That's not to say that there aren't American players who don't play with that same passion.

But as Canadian's it's natural to be pationate about your country, top sport and athletes of that sport.

I'll give you that. I like your argument. I just hate hearing Canadian's thinking they own the sport. They can kiss my ass (J.R. style). I hate to break it to them, but it's just as much a kid from Nigeria's game as it is a kid from Louisiana.

[WingsZR2 1]

I just want ONE Canadian or American top 6-forward.

How do you propose we draft one? Seems like the only way we can get one, given our current cap situation. All the big bad Canadians and Americans are taken early in the draft because they get so much attention. Are we supposed to s*** the bed for a few seasons to get that top pick?

[chrisdetroit 189]

It was revealed on WXYT The Ticket last night that the TV ratings for Red Wings games are down 21%.

What is the cause?

It can't be the economy as TV is essentially free.

It can't be the Teams lack of success?

They asked listeners to call in and give reasons why.

The resounding response was this:

- Not enough fighting or lack of fighters on the team.

- Too many Europeans

- Nobody to relate to

- Regular season is meaningless so why bother watching until the playoffs.

By far and away the top response was there wasn't a tough guy on the team.

I called in and said it's because the team has too many Europeans. This was shot down by the gentleman who was running the Wings pre-game show saying that players like Fedorov were very popular.

I wish I hadn't been hung up on before I could present my rebuttal. Yes the fans loved Fedorov, Larionov and the other Russians, but they still possessed so many North American stars to help offset the heavy European influence. At that time, we still had Shanahan, Lapointe, a prime Drapes, Maltby and McCarty and of course Yzerman.

All of those players are either gone, or a shell of what they once were. Now we have Kopecky, Samuelsson, Lielja and Filpulla. I'm not trying to insult those players, but fans can't jump on their bandwagon as easily.

I have no doubt that if the Wings were to swap rosters with Boston, the Joe would never have an empty seat and Illitch could go back to gouging fans for nose bleeds. And TV ratings would be through the roof. That team has a tremendous blend of speed, power, toughness, skill and a healthy balance of top North American and European talents. Not only that, but you have tough customers like Zdeno Chara, Scott Thornton and Milan Lucic.

I love the Wings. I always have. But I admit that I don't watch nearly as many games as I once did. I used to tape games for crying out loud. But lately, I find myself watching other teams on my Centre Ice Package. There's nobody on the Wings I can relate to like I could with Yzerman. I know I might be in the minority in my belief of the dip in TV ratings, but I truly believe that if the team were to swap out 4 top Europeans for 4 top North Americans, while adding some middleweights and a top heavyweight, the Joe would be rocking and more couch potatoes would tune in.

The economy was always brought up as an excuse for the lack of bodies at Joe Louis arena (an argument I never bought - The Tigers, Lions, Pistons and college teams never saw a dip in their attendance) .

But that argument can't be used for the lack of TV viewership. The only reason for that is fans simply care less for the current Red Wing squad. And it's not for lack of success.

It also wouldn't hurt if the Wings players themselves were made more accessible to fans. Tigerfest helps fans reach out to their baseball heroes and connect with the team. Why are the Wings sheltered in their high tower? Are they too good for the people that pay their salaries? A handshake or autograph goes a long way to establishing a fan base that becomes emotionally attached to their team. The evidence of declining TV ratings and need to reduce ticket prices just to fill the Joe makes me believe that there is far less attachment to the current group of Winged Wheelers.

Just my $.02.

Flame away or add your thoughts please. I'd love to hear what some LGWers have to say regardless if it's in agreement or staunch disagreement.

Cheers!

Wait a minute with the European theory. Down 21% from last year? Well we have almost the same team so your argument doesn't hold.

We lost Hasek (European) and replaced him with Conklin (American)

Mac didn't come until late so he doesn't count.

[Chelios57 31]

This post clearly outlines the type of fair-weather fan you are. You are not a fan of hockey, and I doubt your much a fan of the Red Wings. I guess if they were a team that never made it to the play offs you'd have no reason to watch hockey at all.

Bahahahahahaha.

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :usaflag:

:caution:

[titanium2 867]

Well if you're like me, then you don't live in MI anymore. And a lot of people jumped the state last year and will continue to do so as we speak due to mainly the bad economy. There is no FSN Detroit here or wherever you are once you leave MI unless you're willing to pay extra.

As far as 'entertainment,' I guess I'm just a statistical outlier. I actually like the Red Wings now better than ever. Some may call it boring but if that's a side effect from having to play a level-headed game with moderate, controlled emotion, then so be it. I understand that some people like to watch intensity in the form of big hits and fights. To each their own.

[Ms_Hockey 0]

Too many Europeans? That's a ridiculous reason to not watch the Wings. If people are honestly tuning out because there's too many Europeans on the team, they aren't fans to begin with.

I'd have to go with the last reason. I know many people who don't even feel that the hockey season starts until the playoffs anyway... so that's when they tune in.

[Hank 0]

Wait a minute with the European theory. Down 21% from last year? Well we have almost the same team so your argument doesn't hold.

We lost Hasek (European) and replaced him with Conklin (American)

Mac didn't come until late so he doesn't count.

Attendance and TV ratings have been down ever since the conclusion of the '06 playoffs. AFTER Yzerman and Shanny no longer were playing for Detroit. Coincidence? I don't think so.

[Chelios57 31]

Too many Europeans? That's a ridiculous reason to not watch the Wings. If people are honestly tuning out because there's too many Europeans on the team, they aren't fans to begin with.

I'd have to go with the last reason. I know many people who don't even feel that the hockey season starts until the playoffs anyway... so that's when they tune in.

Bingo.

Plus it's pretty much the same roster as last season. So I don't buy that excuse.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Bingo.

Plus it's pretty much the same roster as last season. So I don't buy that excuse.

Not really. Theres a reason Aaron Downey and Dallas Drake were fan favorites.

[The Secret 304]

Bahahahahahaha.

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :usaflag:

:caution:

There's a good responce. Better get back to your redneck class there guy, I bet they are teaching you how to make bombs out of the fertilizer in your shed.

I never said Canada own's hockey, it was invented in Canada and it is part of our heritage. We are good at it and we have a right to be proud about it. We play a different game the europeans... you would know that if you could afford to watch more of the games I guess. Lucky for you the the Red Wings have become a perrenial playoff team, I'd hate for you to be denied of your national sport.

I can argue that Football is our national sport because we have the CFL but it's not. It's an American sport and Americans are rasied with it and they are good at it and have a right to be proud. That doesn't mean we can't play it, everyone can play it, but americans are around it more and are there naturally going to be better at it.

Keep the hate going buddy, I hear its good for your health.

[Hank 0]

How do you propose we draft one? Seems like the only way we can get one, given our current cap situation. All the big bad Canadians and Americans are taken early in the draft because they get so much attention. Are we supposed to s*** the bed for a few seasons to get that top pick?

I understand that argument.

But look at teams like San Jose, Colorado or New Jersey. All of those teams have had a wealth of success which means low draft picks. And yet they've been able to draft players like Joe Pavelski, T.J. Hensick, Paul Statsny, Zach Parise and Travis Zajac.

Or how about Milan Lucic who was taken in the 2nd round.

Sure, a lot of it is luck, but Detroit only seems to have one good scout - Hakan Anderson.

There has been a wealth of good players coming from the NCAA. Where are our scouts? Mike Cammeliri was in our own backyard and we didn't even sniff him.

Recent drafts have shown we're starting to go after more college players and that's a good sign.

But if at all possible, it would be nice to take a gamble once in a while and make a deal for a N.A. player.

I doubt Detroit was contacted in the Thornton deal, but if we were, I would hope that Holland made a pitch for him. I would love to see big Joe in a red-and-white uni.