Bruins to Open in Belfast

New York/Toronto (June 21, 2010) – The Boston Bruins will play an exhibition game at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. local time as part of the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere™ Challenge. The Bruins will play the Belfast Giants Select, a unified team comprised of an All-Star selection of the best of the UK Elite League players from each team. Ticket sales and broadcast information for this game will be released at a later date.

The Boston Bruins will officially open their 2010-11 NHL® regular season by playing the Phoenix Coyotes in two games at Prague’s O2 Arena on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10.

The Bruins return to Europe for the first time in 50 years. After the 1958-59 season, the Bruins and

New York Rangers embarked on a 10-city, 23-game European tour that included games in London, Geneva,

Paris, Antwerp, Zurich, Berlin and Vienna, among others. This past season, the Bruins roster included Czech players David Krejci, who represented the Czech Republic in the Olympics, and Vladimir Sobotka. Also, team captain Zdeno Chara hails from Slovakia.

Could Foreign Analysts Be the Future for the NHL In the Wake of the World Cup?

It has been fascinating to watch the World Cup coverage on ESPN the past week I’ve been off.  While some of the football being played has left something to be desired, the sheer amount of coverage ESPN is blanketing its’ schedule with is almost mindboggling.  You flip one minute and there’s a game on ESPN, another and they’re talking strategy and context in the studio on ESPN2, or the lovable Irishman Tommy Smythe breaking down the action on ESPN News.  It is likely what ESPN will be using to pitch to the NHL as their ability to cover a niche-y sport in the next contract, but that’s another story for another day.

What has been noticeable has been the number of foreign voices in the studio and the booth for ESPN’s American-centric coverage.  Only three studio hosts (Bob Ley, Mike Tirico and Chris Fowler) and two analysts (Alexi Lalas and Kearny, New Jersey’s John Harkes) are American on ESPN’s airwaves in South Africa, and not all of the European voices have been English or Scottish.  Dutch legend Ruud Gullit and longtime German staple Juergen Klinsmann, as well as current Spanish player Roberto Martinez.

They’ve been pretty good, and gotten me to thinking about a subject I’ve wanted to breach on this blog for awhile: Why haven’t European players been able to crack the market as far as analysis during, before and after NHL games?  I know there’s the time honored logic that Americans just want to hear Americans, or at least people who sound like Americans.  But frankly, that’s made hockey coverage dull as dirt.  Why not try something new?

This isn’t just an American thing either.  Why, in the tens of hundreds of Canadian hockey programs around that nation, do none of the voices stray further than America?  I mean, is it possible that Russian/Czech/Finnish/Swedish/Whatever hockey players are just as dull as Canadians and Americans, though in words we can’t understand?  Or can someone like Bobby Holik, who’s always been entertaining as hell on NHL Live, eventually find himself a gig discussing puck with lame old dudes wearing mullets and cheap suits.

What’s the readership take on this?  Where do you stand on European analysts?

Here’s Poor Jonathan Toews Learning Why You Probably Shouldn’t Let Miley Cyrus Host An Award Show

Here are Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and professional famous lady Miley Cyrus at the Much Music Video Awards, Canada’s VMA’s – half the stars and half as vapid! – introducing the current greatest rapper alive, Drake (Yes, Jimmy from Degrassi is a really good rapper.  Deal with it.)

Miley is clearly having trouble with her cue cards during the video.  We can all be so thankful that our world-weary sport didn’t take a beating … in that Miley pronounced Toews’ name correctly.  Also, I found it pretty funny that hockey’s Captain Serious was introducing hip-hop’s Captain Serious.  Anyway, this is pretty hilarious and I felt it’d get everyone going on a Monday morning.

Morning Music Breakdown

Well, I’m back.  How is everyone?

A special treat for all of you at 9am, then some original material at 11.  Let’s see where the day takes us from there.

Have a great day.

Original Material Returns Monday, Here’s NHL Net’s Next Week

NEW YORK (June 18, 2010) – In the next week, the National Hockey League’s top players and top prospects take center stage for two of the NHL’s most prestigious post-season events. All three of the League’s media platforms — NHL Network, NHL.com and NHL Radio — will provide coverage from one or both sites at the 2010 NHL Awards in Las Vegas and the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the NHL announced today.

The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas will be the NHL’s home for two days starting Tuesday, June 22 as the brightest stars and best regular-season performers gather with Hollywood stars for the 2010 NHL Awards (June 23, 7:00 p.m. ET, VS, CBC, RDS).

NHL Network’s Awards coverage begins with a special one-hour NHL On The Fly Awards Preview show at 9:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 19. The NHL Network panel, hosted by OTF’s Dan Pollard along with analysts Mike Johnson and Gary Green, will review the finalists and highlight the plays, saves and off-ice contributions to their communities that make each player a contender for these accolades. The show will re-air on June 20 at 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET as well as 6:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 23.

NHL.com will be on-site for live updates beginning on Tuesday, June 22 with media day at 6:00 p.m. ET. A team of writers, who have diligently watched each player throughout the season, will report on each award and finalist with player interviews and analysis.

NHL.com will also stream exclusive pre-show coverage, the 2010 NHL Awards Red Carpet Show Presented by Verizon, live from the red carpet on Wednesday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. ET, immediately preceding the 2010 Awards theatre show. Host Carrie Milbank, along with roving reporters Alyonka Larionov and Deanna Kay, will give fans the opportunity to meet their NHL idols up-close and personal with special interviews in red-carpet style. A number of the NHL’s regular-season awards also will be recognized on the red carpet, including the Art Ross Trophy, ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy, William Jennings Trophy, Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone and the NHL Foundation Player Award.

NHL Live! ™, the NHL’s daily radio show — broadcast live on Sirius XM Radio, streamed on NHL.com and simulcast on NHL Network — will have daily programming at its regular time, Monday through Friday from noon – 2 p.m. ET, to recap the award winners and all the NHL news of the day.

Beginning Friday, June 25, NHL media platforms will have all Entry Draft angles covered. The big question remains: Who will be picked No. 1? The race is close between two future NHL stars, C Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers and LW Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires.

The Network’s one-hour Draft Preview Show hits the airwaves at 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 25 as Brian Duff and Mike Johnson provide their analysis of which player will be selected in the coveted first overall position. Carried live on Versus in the United States and TSN and RDS in Canada, the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft will be telecast from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Immediately following the conclusion of round one, the NHL Network team will be on the air again at 11:00 p.m. ET for post-draft reaction. On Saturday, On the Fly host Dan Pollard, analyst and former NHL GM Craig Button and Kings Vision host Heidi Androl will take viewers through rounds two through seven as NHL Network is the exclusive broadcaster for day two of the Draft beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET.

NHL Radio will provide first-round coverage of the NHL Entry Draft, which can be heard on radio stations across North America, including NHL Home Ice XM 204, and on NHL.com.

NHL.com’s coverage includes special behind-the-scenes video features starring the NHL Top Prospects on their trip to Anaheim to take batting practice with the Dodgers and Angels, the NHL’s on-ice clinic with Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown and extensive reporting from Entry Draft media day from atop the Target Terrace overlooking LA Live. For comprehensive Awards and Entry Draft coverage, visit www.nhl.com.

NHL Net Does Film Festivals Starting June 28

NEW YORK (June 18, 2010) – NHL Network™ U.S. today unveiled the line-up for its hockey-themed summer film festival. Beginning on Monday, June 28, fans will have the opportunity to re-live some of hockey’s most exciting and memorable moments on the big screen.

On Monday, June 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET, Kings Ransom, a film that documents one of the most shocking trades in sports history, will be aired. This hour-long feature, the first of the critically-acclaimed ESPN “30 for 30″ series, was screened at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival and recounts the deal that sent the NHL’s brightest star, Wayne Gretzky, from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1989. The documentary includes interviews with Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones; his father, Walter Gretzky; the club owners who made the deal and Edmonton journalists who covered the trade.

The documentary film, The Battle of Comm Ave., which tells the story of the Boston College-Boston University rivalry, will be broadcast on Tuesday, June 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The film, narrated by Hall of Fame announcer Mike “Doc” Emrick, examines the 91-year tussle between two of college hockey’s perennial powers. It looks at the development of the rivalry from its early days and brings viewers front and center to championship glory as each school has won an NCAA title in the past two years. From the history to the coaches and the recruiting battles, from defining moments to pre-game jitters, hear the stories of what has become America’s premiere college hockey rivalry.

On Wednesday, June 30, at 8:00 p.m. ET, NHL Network U.S. will feature the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Official Championship Film, also narrated by Doc Emrick. The film features championship tournament highlights, behind the scenes access and never before seen footage. Fans will learn the stories of four exemplary student-athletes — Miami’s Tommy Wingels, RIT’s Cameron Burt, Wisconsin’s Ben Street and Boston College’s Matt Lombardi — and how their personal journeys took each to the cusp of a national championship.

Pond Hockey is the feature film that will be broadcast at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 1. This movie documents the outdoor hockey experience and the role of sports in our modern society. For generations, rink rats have grown up on outdoor ice. But now, there are climate-controlled arenas in just about every town where the kids go to practice year-round. Through interviews with hockey legends like Neal Broten and Wayne Gretzky and the on-ice action of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Pond Hockey examines this changing culture in search of the true meaning of sport.

Told by the men who pioneered the game, Hockey’s Greatest Era reflects on the storied period from 1942-1967. During this “Original Six” era, the National Hockey League consisted only of six teams in Canada and the U.S., with a multitude of players trying to make a precious few NHL team rosters. Hockey’s Greatest Era will be featured on Friday, July 2, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Throughout the summer, NHL Network U.S. also will be presenting Raising the Cup: 35 Years of Stanley Cup Clinchers 1975-2010.

NHL Network Film Festival (all begin at 8:00 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 28 Kings Ransom

Tuesday, June 29 The Battle of Comm Ave.

Wednesday, June 30 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Official Championship Film

Thursday, July 1 Pond Hockey

Friday, July 2 Hockey’s Greatest Era

About NHL NETWORK

As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games. The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events. Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs. NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers. For more information on NHL Network, log on to nhlnetwork.com.

Gretzky Part of NBC Pebble Beach Celebrity Golf

Pebble Beach, Calif. – June 17, 2010 – Mark Wahlberg, Drew Brees, Wayne Gretzky and contest winner Peggy Ference, the first-ever female winner, attempt to break 100 at the 2010 U.S. Open course at Pebble Beach in the third annual “Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge,” airing this Sunday on NBC from 1:30-3 p.m. ET, prior to NBC Sports’ final-round coverage of the 2010 U.S. Open. The concept of “The Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge” was born after the second round of the 2007 U.S. Open when Tiger Woods mentioned that there was no way a 10-handicapper could break 100 because of the way U.S. Open courses are set up. Assisting the competitors on their quest to break 100 are their golf-pro caddies. Rickie Fowler caddies for Wahlberg, Bubba Watson for Brees, Ricky Barnes for Gretzky, and Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin for Ference. Golfers of all handicaps were eligible for the contest, not just golfers with a 10-handicap. The round was played under the exact same course conditions and USGA rules that the U.S. Open competitors will face the following week. In the December 2009 issue, Golf Digest asked readers to describe in an essay of no more than 60 words how playing in the “Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge” at Pebble Beach would significantly change their lives. Ference wrote about playing at Pebble as a 10-year-old and outdriving her dad for the first time during that vacation. She also wrote about being unemployed for the past two years and how she hoped that being the first woman to play in the Challenge might somehow lead to a job (note: Peggy was recently hired as a regional business director for a biopharmaceutical company). NBC SPORTS DIGITAL AT THE U.S. OPEN NBCSPORTS.COM: NBCSports.com will simulcast NBC Sports’ Thursday and Friday live broadcasts (3-5 p.m. ET), live stream on the weekend the 7th and 17th holes, and offer live post-game coverage all four days with the U.S. Open Wrap-up Show presented by Lexus, hosted by Bill Patrick, Brian Crowell and Jennifer Mills. The site also will offer highlights, interviews and analysis, as well as live blogging. This week also marks the debut of NBCSports.com’s new live-stream video player that will offer users a significantly upgraded, high-quality video experience for this event. NBC SPORTS MOBILE: Fans can get U.S. Open news and scores wherever they are with NBC Sports Mobile. The NBC Sports Mobile site will offer the latest news and videos from NBCSports.com, along with complete leaderboards throughout the weekend, by visiting HTTP://M.NBCSPORTS.COM on their mobile device. Users on the go can also get news and scoring alerts sent right to their phone by texting “GOLF” to 51515. MOBILE TV: NBC Sports’ complete coverage of the U.S. Open will be available on both NBC 2Go and NBC Sports Mobile.

NHL Net Presents Saturday with Stanley

NEW YORK (June 17, 2010) – NHL Network™ U.S today announced that it will be re-airing all six games of this year’s Stanley Cup Final in their entirety as well as the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victory parade on a day-long Saturday with Stanley beginning at 9 a.m. ET, Saturday, June 19. All games will be broadcast in high definition.

Saturday with Stanley comprises more than 14-hours of relentless entertainment. From the moment the puck was dropped in Chicago for Game 1 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final until Patrick Kane’s series-clinching overtime goal in Game 6 in Philadelphia ended a 49-year Stanley Cup drought for the Blackhawks, the 2010 Stanley Cup Final was a fast-paced, action-packed series.

In keeping with the unpredictability and excitement of the three playoff rounds that preceded it, there was no hint of a conservative ‘feeling out process’ to begin the Stanley Cup Final series. The Blackhawks and Flyers combined for 11 goals in Game 1, the most in a Stanley Cup Final opener in 18 years. That merely set the tone for the series-long thrill ride that would see the home Club prevail through five hard-fought games until Kane’s overtime heroics broke the pattern and returned the Cup to the city of Chicago for the first time since 1961.

Following the re-airing of Game 6, NHL Network will broadcast a special NHL On The Fly Awards Preview show at 9:00 p.m. ET. The NHL Network panel will analyze all of the finalists for the upcoming NHL Awards in Las Vegas, highlighting the plays, saves and off-ice activities that make each player a contender for these post-season accolades.

Saturday with Stanley will wrap up beginning at 10:00 p.m. with complete coverage of the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victory parade and rally. Led by team captain Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks players, coaches and their families salute over two million fans lined Washington Blvd. and Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory.

Saturday With Stanley – June 19 Schedule (all times ET)

9:00 a.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 1

11:00 a.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 2

1:00 p.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 3

3:00 p.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 4

5:00 p.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 5

7:00 p.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 6

9:00 p.m. NHL On The Fly Awards Preview

10:00 p.m. Blackhawks Stanley Cup Parade

About NHL NETWORK

As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games. The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events. Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs. NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers. For more information on NHL Network, log on to nhlnetwork.com.

Jay Mohr to Host, Travis Barker to Perform at NHL Awards

NEW YORK (June 16, 2010) – Actor and comedian Jay Mohr will host the 2010 NHL Awards on Wednesday, June 23 at the Pearl Concert Theater inside The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas as the stars of Hollywood and hockey come together to honor the National Hockey League’s best. The 2010 NHL Awards will be broadcast in high definition at 7:30 p.m. ET on VERSUS in the United States and at 8:30 p.m. on CBC in Canada (9 p.m. in Newfoundland). A limited number of tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.

As previously announced, the star-studded show will feature Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg, CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos, Florida rockers Shinedown, Grammy Award-nominated rapper Snoop Dogg, the world famous Cirque du Soleil and the NHL’s biggest stars.

Iconic drummer, musician and music producer Travis Barker has joined the lineup of performers at the 2010 NHL Awards that includes Shinedown, Snoop Dogg and The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. Snoop Dogg and Barker will open the broadcast with a pre-taped performance of “I Wanna Rock,” followed by a live performance by Barker featuring special guests later in the show. All musical performances will be presented by Verizon.

An impressive list of special guest and presenters will include actors Jamie Kennedy (“Finding Bliss”), John Slattery (“Mad Men,” “The Adjustment Bureau”), Kevin Zegers (“Transamerica”) and Leven Rambin (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scoundrels”); actor / director D.B. Sweeney (“The Cutting Edge,” “Two Tickets to Paradise”); legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer; CBC host Ron MacLean; and Reese Waters, host of “The Daily Line” on VERSUS will join Wahlberg, a Boston native and long-time hockey fan and Stroumboulopoulos. Former NHLers Luc Robitaille, Jeremy Roenick, Guy Lafleur and Eddie Olczyk also will present awards.

NHL stars and nominees Martin Brodeur, Sidney Crosby, Duncan Keith, Mike Green, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Miller, Alex Ovechkin and many more will be on hand for the festivities – including Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks also will appear.

A well-known stand-up comedian and featured player on the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons of “Saturday Night Live,” Mohr made the leap to feature films and television, starring in such films as “Jerry McGuire” in 1996 with Tom Cruise and “Picture Perfect” in 1997 with Jennifer Aniston. Mohr will soon be seen with Matt Damon in the upcoming feature film “Hereafter,” directed by Clint Eastwood, and most recently starred in the CBS sitcom “Gary Unmarried.” A New Jersey native, Mohr is an avid sports fan and frequent guest on many sports shows, including ESPN Radio’s The Jim Rome Show.

“As a huge hockey fan, I’m very excited to host the 2010 NHL Awards and honor the game’s greatest players,” said Mohr. “The 2009-10 NHL season has been one of the most exciting in recent memory and the nominated League stars have given us some truly incredible moments to celebrate.”

Tickets to the 2010 NHL Awards are on sale to the public via Ticketmaster.com at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004493A9B96A73 and at the Pearl Concert Theater Box Office. A cocktail reception will be held after the event at the Palms Pool & Bungalows.

The world famous Cirque du Soleil will take to the stage at the Pearl Theater at the 2010 NHL Awards for a special performance from their iconic show, The Beatles LOVE. A recipient of three GRAMMY® Awards (Best Surround Sound 2008, Best Soundtrack 2008, Best Long Form Music Video 2010), LOVE celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles through their timeless, original recordings. Drawn from the poetry of the lyrics, LOVE explores the content of the songs as interpreted by innovative performances from a cast of 65 international artists. A youthful, raw energy is channeled through aerial performance, extreme sports and urban freestyle dance. Hailed by the Toronto Sun as “a Magical Mystery Tour you’ll never forget” and “a glorious theatrical knockout,” LOVE has performed to over 3.5 million spectators since it premiered June 30, 2006 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

Dave Broome, Executive Producer of the 2010 NHL Awards, brings his creative vision to the show in conjunction with Sweeping Palms Entertainment, LLC, a joint venture between Broome’s 25/7 Productions, Phil Maloof, the Maloof family (The Palms Hotel, Sacramento Kings) and Tony Guanci, a longtime family partner.

Individual honors to be presented at the 2010 NHL Awards include: Art Ross Trophy (top scorer for the regular season), Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey), Calder Memorial Trophy (outstanding rookie), Frank J. Selke Trophy (outstanding defensive forward), Hart Memorial Trophy (most valuable player to his team), Jack Adams Award (outstanding coach), James Norris Memorial Trophy (outstanding all-around defenseman), King Clancy Memorial Trophy presented by U.S. Army (leadership and humanitarian contribution to his community), Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct), the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone (superior leader in hockey and a contributing member of society), Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (top goal-scorer for the regular season), the NHL Foundation Player Award (charitable and community work), Williams M. Jennings Trophy (goaltender(s) on team with fewest goals-against), the NHL Lifetime Achievement Award, and Vezina Trophy (outstanding goaltender).

Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and Henrik Sedin were recently announced as nominees for the Ted Lindsay Award, formerly known as the Lester B. Pearson Award, which is presented annually to the “most outstanding player” in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

Additional musical performances, as well as special celebrity guests and the NHL’s biggest stars confirmed to attend the 2010 NHL Awards will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.nhl.com/awards.

Hockey Helps NBC

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – June 15, 2010 – Led by “America’s Got Talent” and a Stanley Cup Final game that was the most-watched NHL telecast in 36 years, NBC averaged a 1.6 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 5.1 million viewers overall for the week of June 7-13, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research. For the week, NBC ranked #3 in primetime in adults 18-49 and tied for #2 in men 18-49 and men 25-54.

NBC’s primetime performance was paced this week by “America’s Got Talent,” which with 13.1 million viewers was the most-watched non-sports program of the week in overall viewership, behind only three NBA Finals telecasts.

In the key demographic of adults 18-49, “America’s Got Talent” ranked #5 among all primetime programs this week, despite competing head-to-head on Tuesday with the Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals Game 3. Also ranking among the top programs of the week in adults 18-49 were NBC’s Wednesday telecast of the deciding Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, which ranked #6 (tied), “Losing It With Jillian,” which ranked #13 (tied) and “Last Comic Standing” and Tuesday’s encore telecast of “America’s Got Talent,” which tied at #15.

Primetime averages for the week of June 7-13 in adults 18-49 were ABC (2.9/9), Fox (2.0/7), NBC (1.6/5), CBS (1.4/4) and CW (0.4/1). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were ABC (8.0 million), CBS (7.1 million), Fox (5.3 million), NBC (5.1 million) and CW (0.9 million).

NBC highlights for the week of June 7-13

* On Monday, “Last Comic Standing” debuted with NBC’s top non-sports rating in the time period since March 1. “Last Comic” was up 43 percent in adults 18-49 versus NBC’s non-sports average in this time period last summer.

* On Tuesday, “America’s Got Talent” ranked #1 in its time period in total viewers, ahead of the season finale of Fox’s “Glee,” ABC’s coverage of the NBA Finals and CBS’s “NCIS Los Angeles” encore.

* Despite competition from the Lakers-Celtics NBA Final and Fox’s “Glee” finale, “Talent” matched the 18-49 rating for the show’s second telecast last year, when it faced much lighter competition. Additionally, this week’s one-hour “America’s Got Talent” was up 3 percent in 18-49 and 6 percent in total viewers versus last week’s two-hour season premiere.

* Also on Tuesday, an encore telecast of “America’s Got Talent” ranked #2 among the major networks in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures in the 8 p.m. hour and “Losing It with Jillian” was the #1 non-sports choice on the major networks in every key demographic in the 10 p.m. hour.

* On Wednesday, NBC Sports’ coverage of the deciding Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, with 8.3 million viewers overall, was the most-watched NHL telecast in 36 years (since 1974).

* This year’s Stanley Cup Final Game 6, in which the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3, was up 33 percent in adults 18-49 and 42 percent or nearly 2.5 million persons in total viewers versus last year’s Game 6.

* NBC’s average viewership of 6.1 million for its four Stanley Cup Final games this year marks the best network television Stanley Cup average in 13 years, up 9 percent versus last year

* On Friday, “Dateline NBC” ranked #1 among the major networks in all key demographics – adults, men and women 18-49, adults, men and women 18-34 and adults, men and women 25-54. Week-to-week, the Friday “Dateline” surged 23 percent in both adults 18-49 and in total viewers. .

* Also on Friday, “Friday Night Lights” tied for #1 among the major networks in its slot in adults 18-49, giving the critically acclaimed drama a share of the time period lead in the Friday 8-9 p.m. hour for the third straight week. “Lights” also tied for #1 among the major networks in adults 18-34 and ranked #1 outright in adults and men 25-54 and men 18-49.

* NBC ranked #1 among the major networks in primetime Friday in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and in virtually all other key demographics.

* On Sunday, a rebroadcast of “Last Comic Standing” out-rated CBS’s Tony Awards telecast in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and other key demographic measures. The “Last Comic” encore grew by 30 percent in 18-49 rating from its first half-hour to its fourth in head-to-head competition with the Tony Awards.

Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”

Additional NBC highlights for the week of June 7-13:

On Monday, June 7 from 8-10 p.m. ET, “Last Comic Standing” (2.0 rating, 6 share in adults 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall) debuted with NBC’s top non-sports 18-49 rating in the time period since March 1. “Last Comic” improved on NBC’s non-sports 18-49 average in this time period last summer by 43 percent (2.0 vs. 1.4). “Last Comic Standing” ranked #1 among the major networks in the time period in men 18-34 and #2 in men 18-49 and men 25-54.

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, the debut of “Persons Unknown” (1.4/4 in 18-49, 4.4 million persons overall) ranked #2 among the major networks in adults and women 18-34 and among men 25-54.

On Tuesday, June 8 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “America’s Got Talent” (2.0/6 in adults 18-49, 7.5 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the major networks in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures. From its first half-hour to its second, the “Talent” rebroadcast grew by 16 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.2 from a 1.9) and by 10 percent in total viewers (to 7.9 million from 7.2 million). .

Tuesday from 9-10 p.m. ET, “America’s Got Talent” (3.7/10 in adults 18-49, 13.1 million viewers overall) ranked #1 in its time period in total viewers, ahead of the season finale of Fox’s “Glee,” ABC’s coverage of the NBA Finals and CBS’s “NCIS Los Angeles” encore. Despite competition from the Lakers-Celtics NBA Final Game 3 and Fox’s “Glee” finale, “Talent” matched the 18-49 rating for the show’s second telecast last year (a 3.7 on June 30, 3009) when it faced much lighter competition (“Superstars” and “Better Off Ted” on ABC, a “Legally Blonde” encore on Fox and a “Mentalist” encore on CBS).

This week’s one-hour “America’s Got Talent” was up 3 percent in 18-49 and 6 percent in total viewers versus last week’s two-hour season premiere (a 3.6 in adults 18-49 and 12.4 million viewers on June 1 from 8-10 p.m.). .

Versus NBC’s non-sports average in this time period last summer, “Talent” was up 23 percent in adults 18-49 (3.7 vs. 3.0) and up 16 percent in total viewers (13.1 million vs. 11.3 million). From its first half-hour to its second, “Talent” increased by 8 percent in both 18-49 rating (to a 3.9 from a 3.6) and in total viewers (to 13.6 million from 12.6 million).

Tuesday from 10-11 p.m. ET, “Losing It with Jillian” (2.1/6 in 18-49, 5.7 million viewers overall) was the #1 non-sports choice in the hour on the major networks in every key demographic – adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 – ahead of CBS’s “Good Wife” encore and trailing only the Lakers-Celtics NBA Final.

On Wednesday, June 9, NBC Sports’ telecast of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final deciding Game 6 between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers averaged a 3.2/10 in adults 18-49 and 8.3 million viewers overall for its full duration from 8:17-11:20 p.m. ET. In overall viewership this was the most-watched NHL telecast in 36 years (since the Stanley Cup Final Boston-Philadelphia Game 3 on NBC, May 12, 1974).

This year’s Stanley Cup Final Game 6 was up 33 percent in adults 18-49 and 42 percent or nearly 2.5 million persons in total viewers versus last year’s Game 6 (a 2.4/7 and 5.8 million viewers overall for the Pittsburgh Penguins-Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday June 9, 2009). In overall viewership, this year’s Game 6 even topped last year’s deciding Game 7 by 4 percent (8.3 million vs. 8.0 million).

NBC Sports this year broadcast four of the six Stanley Cup Final games (games 1, 2, 5 and 6) and these four games averaged 6.1 million viewers, the best network television Stanley Cup average in 13 years (since 1997), up 9 percent versus last year (6.1 million vs. 5.6 million).

Also on Wednesday, NBC Sports’ Stanley Cup Final pre-game telecast from 8-8:17 p.m. ET averaged a 1.5/6 in 18-49 and 4.9 million viewers overall.

NBC was #1 in primetime Wednesday in adults 25-54 and in all key adult male demographics – men 18-34, 18-49, 25-54 – and ranked #2 in adults 18-49 and total viewers.

On Thursday, June 3 at 10 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of “Community” delivered a 0.9/3 in 18-49 and 2.5 million viewers overall. From 8:30-9 p.m., “100 Questions” averaged a 0.7/3 in 18-49 and 2.2 million viewers overall.

Thursday from 9-9:31 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “The Office” (1.2/4 in 18-49, 2.7 million viewers overall) built on its lead-in by 71 percent in adults 18-49. From 9:31-10 p.m., a rebroadcast of “30 Rock” (1.2/4 in 18-49, 2.6 million viewers overall) retained 100 percent of its 18-49 lead-in.

Thursday from 10-10:31 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “The Office” (1.3/4 in 18-49, 2.6 million viewers overall) was the #1 non-sports choice among the major networks in the time period in adults, men and women 18-34, trailing only the Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals game. From 10:31-11 p.m., a rebroadcast of “Parks and Recreation” (1.0/3 in 18-49, 2.2 million viewers overall) was the #1 non-sports choice among the major networks in the slot in adults 18-34, behind only the NBA Finals.

On Friday, June 11 from 8-9 p.m. ET, “Friday Night Lights” (1.0/4 in adults 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall) tied for #1 among the major networks in the time period in adults 18-49, giving the critically acclaimed drama a share of the time period lead in the Friday 8-9 p.m. hour for the third straight week. “Lights” also tied for #1 among the major networks in adults 18-34 and ranked #1 outright in adults 25-54 and in men 18-49 and men 25-54.

Friday from 9-11 p.m. ET, “Dateline NBC” (1.6/6 in 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall) ranked #1 among the major networks in all key demographics – adults, men and women 18-49, adults, men and women 18-34 and adults, men and women 25-54. “Dateline” matched its highest 18-49 rating for a Friday edition since March 5.

Week-to-week, the Friday “Dateline” surged 23 percent in adults 18-49 (1.6 vs. 1.3) and 23 percent or more than 1.1 million persons in total viewers (6.1 million vs. 4.9 million). From its first half-hour to its fourth, “Dateline” grew by 50 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.8/6 from a 1.2/5)

NBC ranked #1 among the major networks in primetime Friday in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and virtually all key demographics.

On Saturday, June 12 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “America’s Got Talent” (0.7/3 in adults 18-49, 3.2 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the major networks in the time period in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures. At 9 p.m. a rebroadcast of “Law & Order” (0.7/3 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the major networks in adults 18-49 and other key measures.

Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Law & Order: SVU” (1.0/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) built on its lead-in from the previous hour by 43 percent in 18-49 rating and 18 percent in total viewers. The “SVU” rebroadcast ranked #1 among the major network in the hour in adults 18-34 and in all key adult male demographics and #2 in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures.

On Sunday, June 13 from 7-8 p.m. ET, “Dateline” (1.1/4 in 18-49, 5.4 million viewers overall) tied for #2 among the major networks in the time period in adults 18-49 and ranked #2 outright in adults 25-54 and total viewers. From 8-9 p.m., an encore telecast of “Losing It With Jillian” averaged a 0.7/2 in 18-49 and 2.7 million viewers overall.

Sunday from 9-11 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of “Last Comic Standing” (1.2/3 in 18-49, 3.1 million viewers overall) increased from its first half-hour to its fourth by 30 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.3 from a 1.0) and by 50 percent in adults 18-34 (to a 1.2 from a 0.8).

The “Last Comic Standing” encore out-rated CBS’s Tony Awards telecast in adults 18-49 (1.2 vs. a 1.1 for the “Tony Awards” telecast from 8-11:03 p.m. ET), adults 18-34 (1.0 vs. a 0.8) and other key demographics.

WEEKLY AVERAGES

Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

ABC 2.9/9, 3.8 million

Fox 2.0/7, 2.7 million

NBC 1.6/5, 2.2 million

CBS 1.4/4, 1.8 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.5 million

Each rating point equals 1.32 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

ABC 3.1/9, 3.9 million

Fox 2.2/6, 2.7 million

NBC 2.0/6, 2.5 million

CBS 2.0/6, 2.5 million

CW 0.4/1, 0.4 million

Each rating point equals 1.24 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

ABC 2.7/8, 8.0 million

CBS 2.4/7, 7.1 million

Fox 1.8/5, 5.3 million

NBC 1.7/5, 5.1 million

CW 0.3/1, 0.9 million

Each rating point equals 2.92 million viewers

2009-10 SEASON AVERAGES

Average rating, share and audience in each category

ADULTS 18-49

Fox 3.6/10, 4.7 million

CBS 3.1/8, 4.0 million

ABC 2.7/8, 3.5 million

NBC 2.6/7, 3.5 million

CW 0.9/3, 1.2 million

Each rating point equals 1.32 million viewers

ADULTS 25-54

Fox 4.0/10, 5.0 million

CBS 3.9/10, 4.9 million

ABC 3.2/8, 4.0 million

NBC 3.1/8, 3.9 million

CW 0.8/2, 1.1 million

Each rating point equals 1.24 million viewers

TOTAL VIEWERS

CBS 3.9/10, 11.5 million

Fox 3.3/8, 9.7 million

ABC 2.9/8, 8.6 million

NBC 2.8/7, 8.0 million

CW 0.7/2, 2.0 million

Each rating point equals 2.92 million viewers