The NHL is their own worst enemy. They just enjoyed their most successful game in 13 years on American TV, the 2009 Winter Classic on New Year’s day. You’d think the league would want to “capitalize” on some newfound buzz and interest and highlight a tilt with tons of storylines, talent and importance. The Washington Capitals vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby vs. Ovechkin. Malkin vs. Ovechkin. Malkin vs. Semin. Over achieving team vs. under achieving team. Struggling goalies vs. powerhouse goal scorers. Sounds like a great game doesn’t it? Add to the mix the recent drama/feud between Malkin and Ovechkin and what’s there to lose? EVEN IF YOU MADE THE TV SCHEDULE IN AUGUST THIS GAME BETWEEN THE PENS AND CAPS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE TV ALL ACROSS NORTH AMERICA!
A quick look at the TV sked sheds the light that the game will be nowhere to be found unless you subscribe to a NHL Centre Ice package or live in Washington or Pittsburgh. Not even Canadians are excluded from this slight as TSN decides to air an important matchup between 2 of the worst teams in the NHL. Yeah, Sens vs. Thrashers are featured in the Draft Cup as the Top Prospects play in Oshawa. Coincidence? We think not.
NHL, you are your own worst enemy and truly are missing the boat on a fantastic match up. WTG! We’d compare this blunder to missing a breakaway with the game on the line and then having the opponent come back up the ice and score. You have no one to blame but yourselves for the situation you find yourself in. Enjoy!
2 responses so far ↓
Ian // January 14, 2009 at 5:24 pm |
Once again – the NHL drops the ball. Not really surprised here. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with next week’s All Star game. I imagine ratings will just keep tumbling downwards until they do something really drastic. I’ll probably be watching nonetheless!
woodpeck // January 14, 2009 at 5:43 pm |
man, i can’t bear to watch the all star game. its worse than the pond hockey we play every weekend. maybe i’ll try a webcast of that soon!