Wings are still a big national TV draw

[Guest irishock]

http://www.freep.com/article/20120830/SPORTS05/120830043/detroit-red-wings-broadcast-schedule

17 games on NBC/NBCSN and 28 total; 35 total including CBC and TSN for our Canadian viewers

Yes, we will have to sit through Doc, Edzo and Pierre 17 times if the season starts on time.

[hillbillywingsfan 792]

But why?...We suck so bad we shouldn't even have a team per some folks.

[Motown4013 350]

I think we are going to be better than most people think we are. We got an upgrade with our goalie corps and a small upgrade on offensive. Lets see what they guys on the blueline have. We arent a lock to win the conference like we were 5 years ago but its definately playoff worthy.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

But why?...We suck so bad we shouldn't even have a team per some folks.

I wonder what consistent mediocrity will do to our ratings, if we do indeed go on a run of being an average team for the next 5 or so years.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

NBC still doesn't know that the season starts In October? That's too bad.

What about the $200-million dollars they gave back to the owners? I guess the League conveniently forgot to include that in their press release.

[Guest irishock]

I wonder what consistent mediocrity will do to our ratings, if we do indeed go on a run of being an average team for the next 5 or so years.

Well, Buffalo has been consistently mediocre since their 07 season, and they're sure doing enough on the ratings to get 15 national TV games this year.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Well, Buffalo has been consistently mediocre since their 07 season, and they're sure doing enough on the ratings to get 15 national TV games this year.

Surprising. Don't know why that is.

Still, not many people nationally care about the Buffalo Sabres. How much attendance do they exactly draw for road games?

[Guest irishock]

I guess it's just the big NY state market that's keeping Buffalo in it.

I stand by my prediction that the NHL season will start at the Big House on the first day of the year. Leafs @ Wings on NBC with Pierre getting a snowball thrown right in his face.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

I guess it's just the big NY state market that's keeping Buffalo in it.

Mostly Western New York, plus the people who helped them from the very start: the hockey fans of Southern Ontario.