in NHL Articles
NBC to Handle NHL TV Coverage
by Yoshi Singh
The ESPN era of NHL TV coverage may be at an end if the broadcasting giant chooses not to commit to covering the re-born league again this season. Too Bad for ESPN.
NBC may just have negotiated the deal of the century by getting the NHL, desperate for coverage after ESPN’s hesitation to re-negotiate, for no money down, simply an agreement to split the profits if there are any.
The fact is the NHL has the greatest potential for improvement considering the fact that there was no season last year, and that could pay big dividends for the NBC network who will use Pierre Maguire, ex-Pittsburgh Penguins and Hartford Whalers coach, as well as John Davidson, ex-New York Ranger goalie, to do the play-by-play and color commentary.
Not only have fanatical NHL fans had a full year to simmer while the labor issues were being resolved, but the NHL will also be instituting a variety of changes designed to promote offense, excitement and overall viewer-friendship.
There will be a more open, offensive game with changes to the offside rule, and there will be no more tie games as a series of breakaways will be used to determine a winner in each game not decided after regulation and overtime.
Most importantly, the league has instituted a salary-cap which will ensure competitive balance. And the key to larger TV ratings has always been strong teams in the big
The NHL is at a crossroads in terms of its stability and validity as a professional entity. It is refreshing to see that NBC will be helping the league advance at this crucial stage of league development. It can only be hoped that ESPN will do the same and won’t be left regretting their decision not to renew its association with the league if the NHL is a smashing success.
