April 27, 2009
by Stephen M. Lepore
Look, we get it must be hard for the NHL to plan ahead when it comes to scheduling when series end. But the NHL has got to do better than its’ slate tonight when it comes to getting people into these series:
9:30 PM ET – Chicago vs. Calgary
10:30 PM ET – San Jose vs. Anaheim
Sure, with two networks covering the sport in Canada, there’s no real problem. But with only VERSUS involved in the US, people will only be able to see all of one game (CGY-CHI), and only get to watch the third period. The league could’ve switched the game to 8PM ET, as many Calgary home games this season have started at this time, and would provide ample time for a doubleheader. But instead, US viewers will get shafted.
In a way, we have the exact opposite going on Tuesday:
7:00 PM ET – NY Rangers vs. Washington
7:30 PM ET – Carolina vs. New Jersey
Now, we get that the two games are in the ET zone, but the CAR-NJ could be moved back to 8, 8:15 or 8:30 to provide ample coverage in the States. However, Canadian viewers are being screwed by this too. The Hurricanes-Devils game is on TSN2, so many Canuck viewers can’t watch what will likely be the more exciting of the two game sevens.
We know we shouldn’t be that hard on the league for stuff that involves other outside factors. But we simply feel like this could’ve been avoided.
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