Takin' a T/O With BT: The Low-Down On The 2008 NHL Playoffs With Versus

For all you hockey fans out there, you've lived and died by your televisions this playoff season.

For Canadian viewers, it's been through TSN. For American viewers, however, it's been through VERSUS.

In an attempt to get people fired up (as if you needed even more reason right?) for the Stanley Cup finals, I was able to talk to Darren Eliot, an analyst on VERSUS, and we discussed the changing trends of the game, the difference between the American and Canadian markets, and even did a little bit of prognosticating.

 
Bryan Thiel: Darren, thanks for joining us. Before we get too in-depth here, I'm sure the fans would love to know how you got involved with VERSUS? Was working on a hockey broadcast one of your main goals following your playing career or was it an opportunity that you were approached with that you had to take time to consider? 

Darren Eliot: I was fortunate enough to be approached by VERSUS—then OLN—to serve as one of their game analysts for the network's initial foray into covering the NHL. I was thrilled at the opportunity an am proud to have been a part of the VERSUS coverage of the NHL since its inception and to be involved as our telecasts have grown in scope and quality.

BT: Now there are some at VERSUS who have spent time at Canadian corporations such as TSN—is there a difference between the broadcasting standards and expectations in the United States as opposed to Canada?

DE: No. All of the networks strive to achieve the highest quality on a nightly basis.

 
BT: What do you find is the biggest difference between the crowds at a hockey game at a Canadian venue as opposed to those in an American one? 

DE: American crowds are more in tune with the in-arena element of the game experience than the Canadian audiences, meaning that I find US fans are louder than their Canadian counterparts at play stoppages.

When the action is going on, cheering transcends borders. 

 
BT: Now, much has been made about the amount of teams in the NHL. With the six teams in Canada flourishing, do you feel that the American market simply has too many teams, or are some of the teams in need of a more energized market?

DE: Every market presents its own unique challenges. I do not think there are too many teams in the US. In fact, there are several untapped markets, in my mind, where NHL hockey is viable. But, you can't expect cultural roots overnight. It takes time and there are no shortcuts.

Emerging markets have to be very aware of the need to have a plan from the grass roots up—from building youth rinks to a Stanley Cup winner.

 
BT: The overall goal of the NHL seems to be to attract as many fans as possible. With regards to markets where hockey isn't necessarily at the forefront of the public eye, what steps should be taken—on and off the ice—to improve the game and increase the fan-base?

DE: It relates back to what I said above, but it comes down to two elements: organizational identity—one that the local market can identify with—and winning. By winning I mean building a team that strives for long-term competitiveness and stability. 

Again, shortcuts are merely short-sighted. 

 
BT: Many of the names at VERSUS—including yourself—are former NHL'ers. How different is it to experience the Stanley Cup playoffs from the booth rather than the ice?

DE: There's nothing like competition. Yet, for me, I enjoy the total experience of covering the action as a broadcaster—the players' focus, the fan fervor, and the building atmosphere.

 
BT: How has the style of play evolved since your playing days, and how do you see it evolving?

DE: The game is faster and more disciplined. Every player is accountable in every facet of the game. Given the action so far in these playoffs, I think the game is being played at the highest caliber ever. 

 
BT: Who's had the biggest impact (as a player) in your eyes in these playoffs?

DE: Goaltender Martin Biron of the Philadelphia Flyers and Brenden Morrow of the Dallas Stars.

 
BT: Which teams have you been impressed with, and which team fell below expectations in your eyes this postseason?

DE: The Stars have surprised me most with their depth of scoring and the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks disappointed me most with their first round exit at the hands of the Stars...which means their title defense is over. 

 
BT: Back to the broadcasting side of things really quickly—we've got a few readers here on Bleacher Report that are interested in getting into sports broadcasting. Do you have any advice for them?

DE: Find what you love about the game and pursue it—whether as a player, coach, manager, or in an administrative capacity, live the game so you can report with relevance. 

 
BT: Finally, can we get a prediction on who will win in the Conference Finals and which team will wrap up their season by hoisting the Stanley Cup?

DE: I believe the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings will meet in the Stanley Cup final, with the Red Wings prevailing.

I'd like to personally thank Darren on behalf of Bleacher Report for taking the time to chat with us about VERSUS, the broadcasting side of the game, and the 2008 NHL playoffs, and Hui-Ling from Sinuate Media for making this possible.

You can catch Darren, a former NHL goalie with the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres, on VERSUS as the analyst for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers.

He also works as a columnist for Sports Illustrated, and contributes to the Atlanta Thrashers broadcasts.

However many more games he works in the Flyers series depends, however, on how Philly handles the adversity they're faced with.