NHL On TV...Yeah I Get It But Here's My Beef

First off, I enjoy NBC and its coverage of the NHL mainly because of Mike "Doc" Emrick as the play-by-play announcer, and not Pierre McGuire.  Second, I know I'm probably one of the last people commenting on this. But why do we see the Philadelphia Flyers two weeks in a row after seeing the New York Rangers two weeks in a row (minus the weekend break for the PGA)?  All right. Major market of Philadelphia vs. Bettman's Boy...Sidney Crosby. 

The top two teams in the East are the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils with New Jersey within striking distance of six points and two games in hand.  They get no national coverage and no love from NBC (Nothing But Crosby). Boston, a major market, and an original six team (the NHL is big on that) vs. Martin Brodeur and his quest of hockey immortality.  So maybe Marty will have the win record by then, but it is still a chance for fans in other markets to see one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.

I know many fans have misconceptions of the Devils as the same old boring trap team with all defense and no offense.  This year has been different with Devils in ninth in scoring in the league and averaging more than three goals a game. This team can score.

Let NBC play the safe bet with the ratings and go with Crosby against another team that plays in the Easter Standard Time Zone (Detroit included).

My real problem lies with Versus. Lately I've noticed the NHL scheduling a limited number of games on Monday nights and one of those games being televised on Versus, which is great, give a limited number of options for hockey fans so maybe they watch some other teams, gaining knowledge of players for other teams. 

However, last week's game on Monday was the Colorado Avalanche vs. the New York Islanders, the last place teams in their respective conferences, and it was the only game that night. (I decided to see what my TiVo recorded for me that day). If Versus wants to give all 30 teams a chance in front of a cable audience, that's great. I like that because it builds awareness. 

However, once the trade deadline rolls around or the calendar turns to March, Flex scheduling should be implemented, like in the NFL.  Show teams fighting for a playoff spot, that produces desperate hockey (or good hockey), or show teams that may not be the biggest market-wise but are having a great year (e.g. Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets).  Not only does this build awareness of these teams and their players, it allows NBC to possibly loosen its grip on the same six teams and broadcast others.

My other problem with Versus is their lack of coverage for the Western Conference.  Every Monday and Tuesday, I watch a hockey game (except for the aforementioned Avs vs Isles), followed by highlights from Hockey Central, and then change the channel (Sports Soup is terrible). 

Why are there never doubleheaders?  It would be a 10 pm start time for Eastern fans. Granted the ratings won't be there on this coast, but I'm sure the West Coast would enjoy a cable televised game. 

I would like to watch more of the San Jose Sharks play without having to shell $150 (or $79 now) for the Center Ice package.  They are the best team in the league and I never see them.  The Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings are some up and coming teams with young players.  I see LA and Columbus whenever the Devils, Rangers or Isles play them. 

I've dealt with this type of broadcasting for four years now since the lockout ended and I'm tired of it.  And no I do not have a clever or witty last sentence for this blog post.  Or maybe that last one accomplished the feat?  Yeah, I didn't think so.