NHL Returns to Europe with a New Twist

New York/Toronto (April 11, 2011) – For a record fifth consecutive season the NHL will be playing regular-season games in Europe as part of 2011 Compuware NHL Premiere™ and NHL Face-Off™, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL®) announced today. The New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks will play a total of four games in three different European capital cities – Berlin, Stockholm and Helsinki – Oct. 7-8, 2011.

 

On Friday, Oct. 7, the Ducks will play the Sabres at Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland, and the Rangers will play the Kings at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The next day, Saturday, Oct. 8, the Sabres and Kings will play each other at the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany, and the Rangers face off against the Ducks in Stockholm.

 

By the end of 2011 Compuware NHL Premiere™, 17 NHL teams – over half of the NHL – will have played regular-season and exhibition games in Europe since 2007. These games reward the legion of loyal and passionate international NHL fans by featuring some of the game’s biggest stars and generate interest in the League worldwide.

 

“The Compuware NHL Premiere Games underscore the strength of our game, the popularity of our players and the international appeal of our brand,” said Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner. “With a new format that varies each team’s opponents; with the participation of the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers, and with the debut of Berlin’s O2 World Arena as a regular-season NHL venue, these games will play a significant role in launching our 2011-12 campaign.”

 

“We want to grow the NHL game around the world, and the Compuware NHL Premiere games are an important part of that effort,” said Don Fehr, NHLPA Executive Director. “We are excited to continue to bring NHL hockey to European fans in their home markets where they can watch players from their home countries play with and against the best in the world. These will be memorable games.”

 

The NHL is a truly global League with approximately 25% of NHL players this season having been born outside of North America. Rangers All-Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist will be playing in his home country of Sweden for the first time as an NHL player. Oslo, Norway, native Mats Zuccarello, who earned Swedish Elite League MVP honors in 2010 when he starred for Modo, has 23 points in 42 games for the Rangers this season. The Ducks’ current roster has four Finnish players – Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Jarkko Ruutu and Toni Lydman and one Swede in Andres Lilja. Sabres center Jochen Hecht hails from Mannheim, Germany, and left wing Thomas Vanek is from Austria.

 

Other notable international players currently playing for the featured NHL teams include Anze Kopitar (Slovenia), Michal Handzus (Slovakia) and Alexei Ponikarovsky (Ukraine) of the Kings; Jonas Hiller (Switzerland), Luca Sbisa (Italy) and Lubomir Visnovsky (Slovakia) of the Ducks; Marian Gaborik (Slovakia), Artem Anisimov (Russia), Wojtek Wolski (Poland) and Vinny Prospal (Czech Republic) of the Rangers; and Andrej Sekera (Slovakia) of the Sabres.

 

Additionally, on Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Ducks will play a special exhibition game at Hartwall Areena against Finnish hockey club Jokerit of the SM-Liiga, the former team of NHL star Teemu Selanne. That same day, the Kings will play a special exhibition game in Hamburg, Germany at the O2 World Hamburg.

 

When the Sabres and Kings play in Berlin, it will mark the first-ever NHL regular-season game played in Germany, but it is not the first time an NHL team has taken to German ice. After the 1958-59 season the Rangers and the Boston Bruins toured Europe including games in Berlin, Dortmund, Essen and Krefeld. In 1990, the St. Louis Blues and Stanley Cup® champion Edmonton Oilers participated in the Epson Cup against West German League champion EG Dusseldorf. In 2008, the Tampa Bay Lightning scored a 4-1 victory in a exhibition game against the hometown Eisbären Berlin at O2 World Arena in the 2008 NHL Premiere Challenge. In 2010, the San Jose Sharks defeated the Adler Mannheim Eagles 3-2 in a shootout in front of 13,600 fans at SAP Arena in Mannheim.

 

Along with their visit in 1959, the Rangers have made two other trips to Europe. In September, 1993, the Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs played a two-game preseason series in London. In 2008, the Rangers were one of four NHL teams to open the 2008-09 season in Europe. Before facing the Lightning in two NHL games in Prague, Czech Republic, the Rangers won the inaugural Victoria Cup in Bern, Switzerland. One night after defeating host SC Bern, 8-1, in an exhibition, the Rangers completed a comeback against European champion Metalurg Magnitogorsk on Ryan Callahan’s late third-period goal, winning 4-3.

 

The Ducks and Kings return to Europe for the first time since opening the 2007-08 NHL regular season in front of two sellout crowds at the O2 Arena in London. Each team recorded a 4-1 victory in the series. In 1997, the Ducks also participated in the first-ever NHL regular-season games played outside of North America with two games against the Vancouver Canucks in Tokyo, Japan. The games, at the Yoyogi Arena, drew sellout crowds of 10,500.

 

The Sabres have visited Europe one other time in franchise history. To open the 1998 pre-season, the Sabres and Lightning traveled to Austria to participate in the NHL International Challenge, playing a series of exhibition games versus Austrian teams as well as exhibitions against each other.

 

Last year, six NHL teams – the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Phoenix Coyotes and San Jose Sharks – opened the 2010-11 NHL regular season by playing six games in Europe. The Hurricanes and Wild played two regular-season games against each other in Helsinki; the Blue Jackets and Sharks squared off for two games in Stockholm; and the Bruins and Coyotes met twice in Prague.

 

The Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers opened the 2009-2010 NHL regular season in Europe when the Blackhawks and Panthers played home-and-home games in Helsinki and the Red Wings and Blues had a home-and-home series in Stockholm. The NHL opened the 2008-09 regular season in Europe in front of capacity crowds when the Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning played two games in Prague and the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators squared off in a two-game set in Stockholm.

 

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NBC Ends the Season on a Positive Note with Hawks-Wings

According to an NBC Sports spokesman, The NHL On NBC’s season finale broadcast – the first in the five seasons NBC’s final day telecast has meant something – drew a 1.1 overnight rating. This is up 19% from the comparable broadcast last season (Boston/Washington: 0.9). It is up from the NBC telecast from last week as well (NY Rangers/Philadelphia: 1.0) and the highest NBC rating since Hockey Day in America on February 20th. Interestingly, the three highest non-Winter Classic NBC telecasts have been from Chicago this season, with each Blackhawks home game (PHI/CHI, 1/24; PIT/CHI, 2/20) drawing a 1.1 overnight.

The game drew very well in both local markets. In must-win Chicago, the game drew a 6.0/17. Things were similar in Detroit, where the game scored a 6.1/15. Other than the Winter Classic, I can’t recall a higher rated NHL regular season game in Chicago, but I’ve asked NBC about that and will update when I get an answer.

At the end of the regular season, The NHL On NBC has averaged a 1.1 overnight rating through 11 telecasts, down 9% from last year, when the 10 NBC telecasts drew a 1.2 overnight average.

NHL On NBC Overnights This Season
January 1 – Washington vs. Pittsburgh: 2.8
January 23 – Philadelphia vs. Chicago: 1.1
February 6 – Pittsburgh vs. Washington: 1.0
February 13 – Boston vs. Detroit: 0.9
February 20 – Regional Coverage*: 1.2
February 20 – Pittsburgh vs. Chicago*: 1.2
March 6 – Philadelphia vs. NY Rangers: 0.9
March 13 – Chicago vs. Washington: 0.9
March 20 – NY Rangers vs. Pittsburgh: 0.7
April 3 – NY Rangers vs. Philadelphia: 1.0
April 10 – Detroit vs. Chicago: 1.1
Season-to-Date Average: 1.1

NHL on NBC Overnights for 2009-10 Season

Jan. 1, Philadelphia vs. Boston*: 2.6
Jan. 17, Chicago vs. Detroit: 0.8
Jan. 24, Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia: 1.3
Jan. 31, Detroit vs. Pittsburgh: 1.2
Feb. 7, Pittsburgh vs. Washington: 1.3
Mar. 7, Detroit vs. Chicago: 1.2 
Mar. 14, Washington vs. Chicago: 1.0
Mar. 21, NY Rangers vs. Boston: 0.7
Apr. 4, Detroit vs. Philadelphia: 1.0
Apr. 11, Boston vs. Washington: 0.9
Season-to-Date-Average: 1.2

 

NBC, VERSUS, CSN Combine to Cover the Playoffs

NEW YORK – April 11, 2011 – The NBC Sports Group begins its comprehensive coverage of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs this week with Conference Quarterfinal games on NBC, VERSUS and four Comcast SportsNets. NBC Sports and VERSUS, whose coverage often includes double and triple headers, will present every round of the playoffs, concluding with the Stanley Cup Final in June. Comcast SportsNet California, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic and Philadelphia begin first-round coverage of their respective local teams this week (Sharks, Blackhawks, Capitals and Flyers). Their coverage can extend to the second round if their teams advance. In addition to television coverage, NBCSports.com and VERSUS.com are uniting to create a robust NHL playoffs digital destination for fans beginning Wednesday.

 

On most nights during the first two rounds VERSUS will televise at least one game, but often will have double- or triple-headers. For the Conference Quarterfinals, VERSUS’ coverage is non-exclusive and subject to local blackouts. During the Conference Semifinals, VERSUS will air two exclusive games per series in addition to many non-exclusive contests. The network will share exclusive coverage with NBC of both Conference Finals series. Coverage will culminate with the Stanley Cup Final in primetime in June with NBC broadcasting Games 1-2 and 5-7 (if necessary), and VERSUS presenting exclusive coverage of Games 3 and 4.

 

Comcast SportsNet California, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic and Philadelphia will televise all of their teams’ respective games in the Quarterfinal round, except for those airing on NBC. If their respective teams advance to the second round, the Comcast SportsNets will also present Semifinal coverage, except for games chosen to air exclusively on VERSUS or NBC.

 

THIS WEEK:

 

NBC SPORTS: Coverage starts this weekend with Western Conference action on Saturday as the No. 3 Detroit Red Wings host the No. 6 Phoenix Coyotes in Game 2 of their series at 1 p.m. ET. On Sunday, NBC Sports presents Game 3 of the Eastern Conference series between the No. 1 Washington Capitals and No. 8 New York Rangers from New York’s Madison Square Garden at 3 p.m. ET.

 

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick (play-by-play) and Eddie Olczyk (analyst) anchor NBC Sports’ coverage with Pierre McGuire serving as inside-the-glass analyst. McGuire will also host the studio show with analyst Mike Milbury.

 

VERSUS: Playoff coverage begins on VERSUS with a tripleheader this Wednesday night, the first night of the postseason. The Red Wings host the Coyotes in Game 1 of their series at 7 p.m. ET followed by the conclusion of the Capitals hosting the Rangers (joined in progress). VERSUS’ Wednesday night coverage concludes with the West’s No. 1 Vancouver Canucks hosting the defending Stanley Cup champion No. 8 Chicago Blackhawks at 10 p.m. ET.

 

VERSUS closes out the week with another tripleheader on Thursday night, a doubleheader on both Friday and Saturday nights, and a single game on Sunday night. (See below for complete Quarterfinal schedule).

 

SPORTSNETS:

 

Comcast SportsNet California begins its coverage of the No. 2 San Jose Sharks – No. 7 Los Angeles Kings series with Game 1 on Thursday night at 10 p.m. ET from HP Pavilion in San Jose.

CSN Chicago begins its Blackhawks coverage against the Canucks on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. ET from Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

CSN Mid-Atlantic presents Capitals-Rangers beginning Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET from Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

CSN Philadelphia begins coverage of the No. 7 Buffalo Sabres at the defending Eastern Conference champion No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

DIGITAL: NBCSports.com and VERSUS.com will combine forces to create a single, robust destination for hockey fans beginning Wednesday for the NHL Playoffs. The NBC Sports Group will consolidate NHL content from both the NBCSports.com and VERSUS.com’s hockey sections onto the rapidly-growing NBCSports.com site. One of the key content areas will be ProHockeyTalk, one of NBCSports.com’s popular “Sports Talk” platforms that also include ProFootballTalk, CollegeFootballTalk, HardBallTalk, ProBasketballTalk and ProGolfTalk.

 

During the playoffs on NBCSports.com, fans will be able to follow all the NHL Playoffs action with live streaming of NBC games, NHL videos, cross-platform promotions, social media and more. Some of the consolidated features on NBCSports.com include:

 

Online-only videos featuring VERSUS and NBC Sports hockey commentators previewing upcoming playoff games and wrapping-up all of the NHL action that day.

“Star-Cam,” which follows marquee players in NBC games, and “Net-Cam,” which provides a unique perspective from behind the goalie.

ProHockeyTalk, which recently had its most-trafficked month ever, will update NHL Playoff news around the clock.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Fans can also keep up with the NHL playoffs through a variety of NBC Sports and VERSUS social media platforms throughout the postseason. Content will include:

 

Behind the Scenes: Through the joint “NHL on NBC and VERSUS” Facebook page and @NHLonNBC_VS on Twitter, fans will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, interviews and video.

Commentator Tweets: Various NBC and VERSUS commentators will provide Twitter content throughout the playoffs, including occasional in-game Tweets.

Fan Questions: Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions to NBC and VERSUS commentators via Facebook and Twitter.

Team Tabs: Fans who “Like” the joint NBC and VERSUS Facebook page will have the opportunity to play a variety of games and upload fan photos based around each of their favorite teams who made the playoffs. As teams advance in the playoffs, new and more difficult games will challenge fans.

News: Fans can follow NBC and VERSUS Facebook and Twitter accounts to receive the most up to date scores, reports and stories from around the NHL and ProHockeyTalk.

 

PREVIEW SHOW: VERSUS will air a live NHL Playoffs Preview show on Tuesday, April 12, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The program, hosted by Liam McHugh along with Hockey Central’s Keith Jones and Jeremy Roenick, will feature commentary and analysis from NHL experts Eddie Olcyzk, Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury. VERSUS will breakdown all the action from the Eastern and Western series and will have exclusive interviews with players.

 

HOCKEY CENTRAL: Each night the network televises a playoff game VERSUS will kick off the broadcast with a Hockey Central pregame show. Hosted by Bill Patrick with Keith Jones and Jeremy Roenick, Hockey Central will preview the night’s action around the Stanley Cup Playoffs. To wrap up each night, the Hockey Central postgame show will have the latest highlights, news, analysis, and player interviews. Throughout the playoffs, Hockey Central will continue to feature guest analysts including, Mike Keenan, Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury..

 

COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL COVERAGE: Comcast SportsNet, the local home for the Blackhawks, Capitals, Flyers and Sharks, will closely follow hometown team playoff progress with pre- and postgame coverage, breaking news and analysis throughout each team’s playoff run.

 

NBC SPORTS QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE (all times ET)

 

Saturday, April 16

1 p.m. Phoenix at Detroit, Game 2

 

Sunday, April 17

3 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Rangers, Game 3

 

Saturday, April 23

3 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Washington, Game 5*

 

Sunday, April 24

3 p.m. Philadelphia at Buffalo, Game 6*

 

VERSUS QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE (all times ET)

 

Wednesday, April 13

7 p.m. Phoenix at Detroit, Game 1

 

9:30 p.m. (JIP) N.Y. Rangers at Washington, Game 1

 

10 p.m. Chicago at Vancouver, Game 1

 

Thursday, April 14

7 p.m. Montreal at Boston, Game 1

 

9:30 p.m. (JIP) Buffalo at Philadelphia, Game 1

 

10 p.m. Los Angeles at San Jose, Game 1

 

Friday, April 15

7:30 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Washington, Game 2

 

10 p.m. Chicago at Vancouver, Game 2

 

Saturday, April 16

7 p.m. Montreal at Boston, Game 2

 

10 p.m. Los Angeles at San Jose, Game 2

 

Sunday, April 17

8 p.m. Vancouver at Chicago, Game 3

 

Monday, April 18

7 p.m. Philadelphia at Buffalo, Game 3

 

9:30 p.m. (JIP) Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, Game 3

 

10:30 p.m. Detroit at Phoenix, Game 3

 

Tuesday, April 19

8 p.m. Vancouver at Chicago, Game 4

 

10:30 p.m. San Jose at Los Angeles, Game 3

 

Wednesday, April 20

7 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Rangers, Game 4

 

9:30 p.m. (JIP) Philadelphia at Buffalo, Game 4

 

10:30 p.m. Detroit at Phoenix, Game 4

 

Thursday, April 21

7 p.m. Boston at Montreal, Game 4

 

10 p.m. Chicago at Vancouver, Game 5*

 

Friday, April 22

7 p.m. Phoenix at Detroit, Game 5*

 

9:30 p.m. (JIP) Buffalo at Philadelphia, Game 5*

 

10 p.m. Nashville at Anaheim, Game 5*

 

Saturday, April 23

7 p.m. Montreal at Boston, Game 5*

 

9:30 p.m. (JIP) Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, Game 5*

 

10:30 p.m. Los Angeles at San Jose, Game 5*

 

Sunday, April 24

TBD

 

Monday, April 25

TBD

 

Tuesday, April 26

TBD

 

Wednesday, April 27

TBD

 

*Games subject to change as best-of-seven series may be over; (JIP) – joined in progress

 

NCAA Hockey Semi-Final Performs Well for ESPN2

According to our pal, Nate Ewell, who now works for College Hockey Inc:

ESPN2’s second semifinal (North Dakota-Michigan) Thursday got a 0.4, 4th best semi-final rating.

An 0.4 is a solid number for college hockey, and the final ratings (with the overtime buzz) could see numbers competitive with the NHL game on NBC Sunday. Obviously, timeslot differences will help, but there is a solid – if unspectacular – following for NCAA hockey around tournament time.

MSG Network Can’t Be Serious with Putting Knicks Regular Season Over Rangers Playoffs

Look, I understand the realities of television scheduling around the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I get that with baseball and basketball still going on and with all kinds of crossovers of times, there are going to be some over-laps, and some hockey games may get put on alternate channels. Meanwhile, sometimes hockey will take precedent over other sports. It is a constant give and take that we see every spring.

But lets just call it like I see it and be serious here. MSG is shunting Game 1 of the Rangers/Capitals series to MSG Plus while the final game of the New York Knicks’ regular season (against the Boston Celtics) airs on MSG. This is flat-out ridiculous.

The Knicks have already clinched a post-season spot, so have the Celtics … yet this 82nd game of the basketball regular season gets to air on the network that has the furthest reach, while Game 1 of an actual playoff series moves to MSG Plus. Now, for those unfamiliar, MSG Plus is what became of the FSN affiliate in New York. While it is available in most New York-area homes, it does not reach all, or as many as the regular MSG.

I understand that the Knicks are having their adorable little revival love affair with the city of New York, and that has put them back as flavor of the week in the area. I know that, heartbreakingly, the Knicks regular season game might even draw higher ratings than the Rangers game. As sad and stupid as that is, it is very possible. The Knicks, even in their darkest days, were competitive -if not beating them outright – in the ratings with the Blueshirts. However, that does not make it right.

The very fact that this is even an issue is a joke. A playoff game in any sport trumps a regular season game in another sport. The Boston Bruins will be forcing the freaking Red Sox in New England to an alternate channel for their series against the Canadiens. I even get that Knicks playoff games will likely force the Rangers onto MSG Plus at other times during the first rounds of their respective playoff series. All that said, this decision to air a completely inconsequential basketball game over a playoff hockey game – and Game 1 of a series where the Rangers have a chance – is downright imbecilic.

So, I implore you, Rangers fans – while we may not get along at times – to protest this. Send letters to MSG, make phone calls, use social media. Show the folks at Cablevision and MSG that a Ranger playoff game is more important than a regular season Knicks game. That you even have to is a sign that they don’t get it in the first place. Maybe if enough of an uproar is made, MSG can switch the two games before Wednesday. I certainly hope someone over there is sane enough to make the right call.

NHL TV Should Follow NBA’s Lead on Weekends, Show As Many Games As Possible

I know there’s a lot of things that go into the scheduling of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, like arena availability and network availability and such, but lets forget that exists for a moment. Here’s the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoff schedule for next Saturday and Sunday

Saturday, April 16
1:00 Phoenix vs. Detroit (NBC/CBC)
5:00 Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (TSN)
7:00 Montreal vs. Boston (CBC/VERSUS)
10:00 Los Angeles vs. San Jose (TSN/VERSUS)

Sunday, April 17
3:00 Washington vs. NY Rangers (NBC/TSN)
6:00 Anaheim vs. Nashville (TSN)
8:00 Vancouver vs. Chicago (VERSUS/CBC)

Now, we have these games spread out a little, but not quite enough that the TV networks can show as many games in a row as possible, leaving many fans without Center Ice out in the cold. What about something like this, if you could get VERSUS and the host teams to commit?

Saturday
1:00 Phoenix vs. Detroit (NBC/CBC)
4:00 Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (VERSUS/TSN)
7:00 Montreal vs. Boston (VERSUS/CBC)
10:00 Los Angeles vs. San Jose (VERSUS/TSN)

Sunday
3:00 Washington vs. NY Rangers (NBC/TSN)
6:00 Anaheim vs. Nashville (VERSUS/TSN)
9:00 Vancouver vs. Chicago (VERSUS/CBC)

I understand that VERSUS has Indy Car and other commitments, but honestly? I’m really disappointed there’s not a way to get those Philly/Buffalo and Anaheim/Nashville games on TV. Later this week, the NBA will announce that they’ll open their post-season with two days of completely nationally televised quadruple-headers. If I were a basketball fan, that would be heaven for me. Why can’t the NHL and it’s television partners go outside the box and let us see up to three and four games on national TV during the weekends? It is something they should work towards in future years. 

TSN is Set to Go

The American networks will release info tomorrow:

Toronto, ON (April 11, 2011) – Eight teams will have their NHL playoff story unfold on TSN, as the network tonight confirmed its complete broadcast schedule for the First Round of the 2011 STANLEY CUP® PLAYOFFS.

 

Headlining TSN and TSN2’s First Round playoff coverage are some of the NHL’s biggest stars including Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin, as the networks have complete coverage of the Washington-NY Rangers, Philadelphia-Buffalo, San Jose-Los Angeles and Anaheim-Nashville series.

 

Games are available nationally on TSN, TSN2 and TSN MOBILE TV. TSN MOBILE TV is currently available on video-enabled mobile devices subscribing to Bell Mobility’s Bell Mobile TV Sports package.

 

TSN’s coverage of the 2011 STANLEY CUP® PLAYOFFS gets underway on Wednesday, April 13 – opening night of the NHL Playoffs – with NY Rangers @ Washington at 7 p.m. ET immediately followed by Nashville @ Anaheim at 10 p.m. ET.

 

TSN and TSN2’s live coverage of the 2011 STANLEY CUP® PLAYOFFS runs throughout the first three rounds.

 

The networks’ extensive coverage of the NHL post-season features veteran play-by-play announcers Gord Miller and Chris Cuthbert and game analysts Pierre McGuire and Ray Ferraro.

 

NHL ON TSN host James Duthie is in the TSN Studio for pre-game shows and intermissions, alongside Hockey Insiders Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger, analysts Craig MacTavish and Aaron Ward, plus former NHL referee Kerry Fraser.

 

TSN’s flagship sports news program SPORTSCENTRE will cover every playoff series with highlights and news, reports from all series – including Vancouver-Chicago and Montreal-Boston – and provide in-depth analysis from TSN’s hockey experts. THAT’S HOCKEY with Gino Reda and THAT’S HOCKEY 2NITE with Steve Kouleas will have extensive post-season coverage, while OFF THE RECORD WITH MICHAEL LANDSBERG and TSN THE REPORTERS WITH DAVE HODGE will continue to examine the league’s hot-button issues during the NHL Playoffs.

 

TSN RADIO 1050 also gives fans the low-down on the 2011 STANLEY CUP® PLAYOFFS when it launches on Wednesday, April 13, with comprehensive coverage of the post-season on all of its shows, including THE MIKE RICHARDS SHOW with morning show host Mike Richards from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET, and CYBULSKI & COMPANY with afternoon drive host James Cybulski from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. TSN RADIO 1050 will be available to sports fans in the Greater Toronto area on AM 1050 and nationally online at TSN.ca and on the TSN MOBILE app for BlackBerry and iPhone.

 

Leading up to the NHL Playoffs, TSN has live and exclusive coverage of the 2011 NHL DRAFT LOTTERY on Tuesday, April 12 at 8 p.m. ET, plus the NHL ON TSN STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS ’11: FANTASY DRAFT SPECIAL at 7 p.m. ET and PREVIEW SHOW at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

TSN.ca

Once again, TSN.ca is the definitive online destination for hockey fans in Canada, as the country’s leading sports website will feature all the latest news, scores, stats, interviews and game highlights during the 2011 STANLEY CUP® PLAYOFFS. TSN’s hockey experts, including Hockey Insiders Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger, will break down all post-season action in online columns and blogs and on Twitter.

 

TSN and TSN2’s NHL Playoffs Broadcast Schedule

Washington vs. NY Rangers

• Game 1: NY Rangers @ Washington – Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 2: NY Rangers @ Washington – Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 3: Washington @ NY Rangers – Sunday, April 17 at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 4: Washington @ NY Rangers – Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 5: NY Rangers @ Washington – Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 6: Washington @ NY Rangers – Monday, April 25 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 7: NY Rangers @ Washington – Wednesday, April 27 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

 

Philadelphia vs. Buffalo

• Game 1: Buffalo @ Philadelphia – Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 2: Buffalo @ Philadelphia – Saturday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 3: Philadelphia @ Buffalo – Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 4: Philadelphia @ Buffalo – Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TSN2

• *Game 5: Buffalo @ Philadelphia – Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 6: Philadelphia @ Buffalo – Sunday, April 24 at 2:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 7: Buffalo @ Philadelphia – Tuesday, April 26 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

 

San Jose vs. Los Angeles

• Game 1: Los Angeles @ San Jose – Thursday, April 14 at 10 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 2: Los Angeles @ San Jose – Saturday, April 16 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 3: San Jose @ Los Angeles – Tuesday, April 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 4: San Jose @ Los Angeles – Thursday, April 21 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 5: Los Angeles @ San Jose – Saturday, April 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 6: San Jose @ Los Angeles – Monday, April 25 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 7: Los Angeles @ San Jose – Wednesday, April 27 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

 

Anaheim vs. Nashville

• Game 1: Nashville @ Anaheim – Wednesday, April 13 at 10 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 2: Nashville @ Anaheim – Friday, April 15 at 10 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 3: Anaheim @ Nashville – Sunday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. ET on TSN

• Game 4: Anaheim @ Nashville – Wednesday, April 20 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 5: Nashville @ Anaheim – Friday, April 22 at 10 p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 6: Anaheim @ Nashville – Sunday, April 24 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

• *Game 7: Nashville @ Anaheim – Tuesday, April 26 at TBD p.m. ET on TSN

 

*If necessary

 

CBC Gets Ready For the Playoffs

Note that the one Pens/Lightning game will air on CHEX.

The road to the Stanley Cup begins and CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA is home to the best teams, brightest stars and most important series of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including exclusive coverage of the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens matchups and the Stanley Cup Final all in High-Definition.

“For hockey fans, NHL playoffs are the best time of the year and the only team who we know for sure will be in the Stanley Cup Final is the Hockey Night in Canada team,” said Trevor Pilling, Head of Sports Production and Executive Producer of Hockey Night in Canada. “We’re proud to continue the Hockey Night tradition of cutting edge, Canadian coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA NHL playoff coverage kicks off with the Stanley Cup Countdown Show on Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. AT//9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. local (Manitoba west), in front of a live studio audience. Host Ron MacLean and analysts Mike Milbury, P.J. Stock and Kelly Hrudey will breakdown all eight first-round series and analyze the chances of the 16 teams vying for the Stanley Cup. There will also be reports on both Canadian teams in the playoffs, as well as Chevrolet I-Desk updates with Scott Morrison on all the latest injuries and line-ups. Comedian Gerry D will add his off-the-wall brand of humour in offering his post-season predictions and there will also be a special report from Hockey Night in Canada Radio on SIRIUS host Jeff Marek and George Stroumboulopoulos.

The puck officially drops Wednesday, April 13 as CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA kicks off its schedule with a must-see doubleheader. Ron MacLean will host the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs along with Mike Milbury, Kelly Hrudey and P.J. Stock. For viewers in Ontario – East (excluding Windsor) the action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET when Marc-Andre Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins host Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Consol Energy Center. Dean Brown will call the series alongside analyst Greg Millen supported by rinkside reporter Cassie Campbell-Pascal. Viewers in Windsor and Manitoba West will see Pavel Datsyuk and the Detroit Red Wings take on Shane Doan and the Phoenix Coyotes at Joe Louis Arena. Play-by-play duties will be handled by Mark Lee, with Kevin Weekes providing analyst and Mitch Peacock reporting from rinkside.

In the nightcap, CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA will go to Rogers Arena in Vancouver at 10 p.m. ET as the Sedin twins and the Canucks square off against Jonathan Toews and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. This West Conference Quarterfinal best-of-seven showdown will be called by play-by-play commentator Jim Hughson, analyst Craig Simpson and reporter Scott Oake.

The excitement continues on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. ET as Zdeno Chara and the Boston Bruins host Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens at TD Banknorth Garden. The legendary Don Cherry and Coach’s Corner makes its playoff debut with reporter Elliotte Friedman, play-by-play commentator Bob Cole and analyst Garry Galley covering this East Quarterfinal. Analyst Glenn Healy will be in the heart of the action between the benches for the duration of the series. (Please see below for complete first round broadcast schedule and distribution)

On Saturday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET, CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA sets the stage with Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, the pre-game show, followed by game two of the Boston/Montreal series. Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, returns on Sunday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET followed by the second game of the Vancouver/Chicago series.

In addition to the best matchups, CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA will use the latest in sports broadcasting technology to provide fans with unique views and insight. For the first time in a Canadian NHL broadcast ultramotion cameras will be used to slow down the game and provide clearer images of in-game action. In addition, 3D replays will be employed to blend multiple angles to give viewers stunning insights and telestration providing viewers with sights never before seen in Canadian hockey coverage.

Coinciding with the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, CBCSports.ca will launch a refreshed website cbcsports.ca/hockey and iPhone and iPad applications on Wednesday, April 13 to complement the live streaming of every game including Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry and Satellite Hotstove. Visitors will also be treated to the Hockey Night Online pre-game show weekdays at 1 p.m. ET and Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Other features will include in-depth playoff blogs from Hockey Hall of Fame reporter Scott Morrison along with Elliotte Friedman and Tim Wharnsby. Hockey fans looking to really get into the game can check out the Fantasy Pool presented by Kia and the Crown Royal Star Selector as well as scores, video highlights, in-depth statistics, broadcast and NHL playoff schedules.

Facebook users can once again “like” CBC Sports at facebook.com/cbcsports and use the Beard Yourself application, which allows them to choose one of six virtual playoff beards and add it to their Facebook wall and profile pictures. Twitter users can join the CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA feed at twitter.com/ hockeynight to see all breaking news as it happens throughout the playoffs, as well as gain further insight from Friedman (twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC), Morrison (twitter.com/morrisonHNIC) and Wharnsby (twitter.com/WharnsCBCSPORTS).

Hockey Night in Canada Radio on SIRIUS with host Jeff Marek will also offer comprehensive coverage of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs on SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s Channel 97 airing Monday through Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. ET (encore presentation from 7-10 p.m. ET).

The Vancouver/Chicago series will be featured on Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi with Harnarayan Singh handling play-by-play duties, working alongside analyst Amarinder Singh. The Punjabi broadcasts will be available on Rogers – Channel 385, Telus – Channel 131, Shaw – Channel 328, Shaw Classic 480 and Advanced 429 and CBCSports.ca.

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada is celebrating 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA: 2011 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

ROUND ONE – CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

All series best of seven. Schedule subject to change.

PITTSBURGH (#4) VS. TAMPA BAY (#5)

G1 Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh Wed, April 13 @ 7 p.m. ET Ontario-East (excluding Windsor)

G2 Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh Fri, April 15 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G3 Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay Mon, April 18 @ 7:30 p.m. ET CHEX

G4 Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay Wed, April 20 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G5** Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh Sat, April 23 – TBD FULL NETWORK

G6** Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay Mon, April 25 – TBD FULL NETWORK

G7** Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh Wed, April 27 – TBD FULL NETWORK

 

DETROIT (#3) VS. PHOENIX (#6)

G1 Phoenix @ Detroit Wed, April 13 @ 7 p.m. ET Manitoba-West (including Windsor)

G2 Phoenix @ Detroit Sat, April 16 @ 1 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G3 Detroit @ Phoenix Mon, April 18 @ 10:30 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G4 Detroit @ Phoenix Wed, April 20 @ 10:30 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G5** Phoenix @ Detroit Fri, April 22 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G6** Detroit @ Phoenix Sun, April 24 – TBD FULL NETWORK

G7** Phoenix @ Detroit Wed, April 27 – TBD FULL NETWORK

VANCOUVER (#1) VS. CHICAGO (#8)

G1 Chicago @ Vancouver Wed, April 13 @ 10 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G2 Chicago @ Vancouver Fri, April 15 @ 10 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G3 Vancouver @ Chicago Sun, April 17 @ 8 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G4 Vancouver @ Chicago Tues, April 19 @ 8 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G5** Chicago @ Vancouver Thurs, April 21 @ 10 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G6** Vancouver @ Chicago Sun, April 24 @ 8 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G7** Chicago @ Vancouver Tues, April 26 – TBD FULL NETWORK

BOSTON (#3) VS. MONTREAL (#6)

G1 Montreal @ Boston Thurs, April 14 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G2 Montreal @ Boston Sat, April 16 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G3 Boston @ Montreal Mon, April 18 @ 7:30 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK (excluding CHEX)

G4 Boston @ Montreal Thurs April 21 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G5** Montreal @ Boston Sat, April 23 @ 7 p.m. ET FULL NETWORK

G6** Boston @ Montreal Tues, April 26 – TBD FULL NETWORK

G7** Montreal @ Boston Wed, April 27 – TBD FULL NETWORK

 

Puck the Media’s 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs Super-Schedule

Here it is again, split up into US and Canada. Remember, towards the end of the round, there are some educated guesses, so note that everything after the Game 4’s are subject to change. Also, one imagines the CBC and TSN will work out the conflict with those Pittsburgh/Tampa games, or they could be aired online.

UPDATE: Elliotte Friedman just tweeted that CBC will do a regional split for Game 1’s of PIT/TB and PHX/DET. Ontario-East gets PIT/TB, Manitoba, Windsor and West – PHX/DET

American TV (all games VERSUS unless noted as NBC)

Wednesday, April 13
7:00 Game 1: Phoenix vs. Detroit 
9:30 Game 1: NY Rangers vs. Washington (JIP)
10:00 Game 1: Chicago vs. Vancouver

Thursday, April 14
7:00 Game 1: Montreal vs. Boston
9:30 Game 1: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (JIP)
10:00 Game 1: Los Angeles vs. San Jose

Friday, April 15
7:30 Game 2: NY Rangers vs. Washington
10:00 Game 2: Chicago vs. Vancouver

Saturday, April 16
1:00 Game 2: Phoenix vs. Detroit (NBC)
7:00 Game 2: Montreal vs. Boston
10:00 Game 2: Los Angeles vs. San Jose

Sunday, April 17
3:00 Game 3: Washington vs. NY Rangers (NBC)
8:00 Game 3: Vancouver vs. Chicago

Monday, April 18
7:00 Game 3: Philadelphia vs. Buffalo
9:30 Game 3: Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (JIP)
10:30 Game 3: Detroit vs. Phoenix

Tuesday, April 19
8:00 Game 4: Vancouver vs. Chicago
10:30 Game 3: San Jose vs. Los Angeles

Wednesday, April 20
7:00 Game 4: Washington vs. NY Rangers 
9:30 Game 4: Philadelphia vs. Buffalo (JIP)
10:30 Game 4: Detroit vs. Phoenix

Thursday, April 21
7:00 Game 4: Boston vs. Montreal
10:00 Game 5: Chicago vs. Vancouver

Friday, April 22
7:00 Game 5: Phoenix vs. Detroit

Saturday, April 23
3:00 Game 5: NY Rangers vs. Washington (NBC)
7:00 Game 5: Montreal vs. Boston
9:30 Game 5: Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh (JIP)
10:30 Game 5: Los Angeles vs. San Jose

Sunday, April 24
3:00 Game 6: Philadelphia vs. Buffalo (NBC)
8:00 Game 6: Vancouver vs. Chicago
10:30 Game 6: Detroit vs. Phoenix

Monday, April 25
TBD Game 6: Washington vs. NY Rangers
TBD Game 6, Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay
TBD Game 6: San Jose vs. Los Angeles

Tuesday, April 26
TBD Game 6: Boston vs. Montreal
TBD Game 7: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia
TBD Game 7: Chicago vs. Vancouver
TBD Game 7: Nashville vs. Anaheim

Wednesday, April 27
TBD Game 7’s of NY Rangers/Washington, Montreal/Boston, Tampa Bay/Pittsburgh, Los Angeles/San Jose, Phoenix/Detroit

Canadian TV
Wednesday, April 13
7:00 Game 1: Phoenix vs. Detroit (CBC)
7:30 Game 1: NY Rangers vs. Washington (TSN)
7:30 Game 1: Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (CBC)
10:00 Game 1: Chicago vs. Vancouver (CBC)
10:30 Game 1: Nashville vs. Anaheim (TSN)

Thursday, April 14
7:00 Game 1: Montreal vs. Boston (CBC)
7:30 Game 1: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (TSN)
10:00 Game 1: Los Angeles vs. San Jose (TSN)

Friday, April 15
7:00 Game 2: Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh (CBC)
7:30 Game 2: NY Rangers vs. Washington (TSN)
10:00 Game 2: Chicago vs. Vancouver (CBC)
10:30 Game 2: Nashville vs. Anaheim (TSN)

Saturday, April 16
1:00 Game 2: Phoenix vs. Detroit (CBC)
5:00 Game 2: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (TSN)
7:00 Game 2: Montreal vs. Boston (CBC)
10:00 Game 2: Los Angeles vs. San Jose (TSN)

Sunday, April 17
3:00 Game 3: Washington vs. NY Rangers (TSN)
6:00 Game 3: Anaheim vs. Nashville (TSN)
8:00 Game 3: Vancouver vs. Chicago (CBC)

Monday, April 18

7:00 Game 3: Philadelphia vs. Buffalo (TSN)
7:30 Game 3: Boston vs. Montreal (CBC)
7:30 Game 3: Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (CHEX)
10:30 Game 3: Detroit vs. Phoenix (CBC)

Tuesday, April 19
8:00 Game 4: Vancouver vs. Chicago (CBC)
10:30 Game 3: San Jose vs. Los Angeles (TSN)

Wednesday, April 20
7:00 Game 4: Washington vs. NY Rangers (TSN)
7:30 Game 4: Philadelphia vs. Buffalo (TSN)
7:30 Game 4: Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (CBC)
8:30 Game 4: Anaheim vs. Nashville (TSN)
10:30 Game 4: Detroit vs. Phoenix (CBC)

Thursday, April 21
7:00 Game 4: Boston vs. Montreal (CBC)
10:00 Game 5: Chicago vs. Vancouver (CBC)
10:30 Game 4: San Jose vs. Los Angeles (TSN)

Friday, April 22
7:00 Game 5: Phoenix vs. Detroit (CBC)
7:30 Game 5: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (TSN)
10:00 Game 5: Nashville vs. Anaheim (CBC)

Saturday, April 23
3:00 Game 5: NY Rangers vs. Washington (TSN)
7:00 Game 5: Montreal vs. Boston (CBC)
TBD Game 5: Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh (CBC)
10:30 Game 5: Los Angeles vs. San Jose (TSN)

Sunday, April 24
3:00 Game 6: Philadelphia vs. Buffalo (TSN)
8:00 Game 6: Vancouver vs. Chicago (CBC)
8:00 Game 6: Anaheim vs. Nashville (TSN)
10:30 Game 6: Detroit vs. Phoenix (CBC)

Monday, April 25
7:00 Game 6: Washington vs. NY Rangers (TSN)
7:30 Game 6: Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (CBC)
10:00 Game 6: San Jose vs. Los Angeles (TSN)

Tuesday, April 26
TBD Game 7: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (TSN)
TBD Game 6: Boston vs. Montreal (CBC)
TBD Game 7: Chicago vs. Vancouver (CBC)
TBD Game 7: Nashville vs. Anaheim (TSN)

Wednesday, April 27
TBD Game 7’s NY Rangers vs. Washington (TSN), Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh (CBC), Montreal vs. Boston (CBC), Phoenix vs. Detroit (CBC)
TBD Game 7: Los Angeles vs. San Jose (TSN)