Has hockey become relevant again ?

[BOSSMANPC]

It seems like the ratings have been good and the NBA ratings seem to be falling. At least from what I have read.

Do you guys and gals think that a certain sports network will be a bit more aggressive at showing the games again? Also what is the current contractual agreement is with Versus?

I think I'm in the minority but feel Versus does a pretty good job with their coverage but the fact the availability to a lot of viewers in the US hinders the ratings.

So a couple of questions here, Would fans like the games back on the "World wide leader in sports" or stay as it is?

The pro's to the games on Versus is they discuss hockey before the game and during the intermissions and also talk strictly hockey on the post game show.

What are your preferences because when the games were on the other channel they combined hockey with other sports and that drove me nuts !!

Just looking for some feed back here.

Thanks.

 

[pixburgher66]

i think it'd be great to get at least an occasional game on there, if only to get gary thorne back. i think that at the VERY least es*n should get hockey night back. a half hour segment occasionally. i mean, they have an hour of NFL Live EVERYDAY and it's not in season...and it's been like that year round. there's NBA Fastbreak an hour a night, MLB has a segment...so, why not?

 

[smo5039]

Hockey is fine without the mouse. If the NHL continues to improve its product like it has since the lockout, popularity will come with it no matter what channel it's on.

 

[smo5039]

I would appreciate NHL2night tho. Big fan of Bucci

 

[Comeds]

I'd rather TNT or TBS or a similar network get a package of games instead of ESPN.

 

[BOSSMANPC]

I have no problem with the games on Versus with the exception of a lot of people don't get it or must buy premium packages to get it. Obviously they would get more exposure on the other sports channel.


JMO.

 

[pixburgher66]

I'd rather TNT or TBS or a similar network get a package of games instead of ESPN.

i feel like if it's not ESPN it's not going anywhere other than VS, just because the NBA has the grips on turner...and the MLB. TBS does baseball, TNT needs basketball, maybe USA? i just hope the NHL is TRYING to do something to expand it a bit more, and hopefully they force NBC to freaking PAY for taking their games.

 

[BOSSMANPC]

WTF ! "Do you guys and gals think that a certain sports network will be a bit more aggressive at showing the games again? Also what is the current contractual agreement is with Versus?

Jeez...drop the second "is" sorry I'm trying to multi task right now and messed up. I was redundant again.

 

[Comeds]

I meant TBS and or TNT or similar in addition to games on Versus. I like Versus coverage.

 

[beantownmaniac]

I have no problem with the games on Versus with the exception of a lot of people don't get it or must buy premium packages to get it. Obviously they would get more exposure on the other sports channel.


JMO.

I think that's a real problem. I'm lucky, I get Versus as part of my basic package. I know a lot of people don't like that sports channel but it would be the best way to have the most viewers as I don't think TBS, TNT, USA, or any other major network is interested in the NHL, the ratings just aren't there for them.

 

[forty_three]

I have no problem with the games on Versus with the exception of a lot of people don't get it or must buy premium packages to get it. Obviously they would get more exposure on the other sports channel.


JMO.

Not just your opinion. It's the same here. I think their broadcasts are fine.

Outside of the availability issue, I don't like how there is no sports news type show or an NHL only recap show. They have the Daily Line, but it seems like they only want to talk about upcoming movies or make lame Tiger Woods jokes.

 

[davnlaguna]

VS treats hockey and its fans much better than ESPN ever did. I remember when ESPN lost hockey. I said then, and still believe, that any channel that would rather show lumber jacks and cheerleaders and strongest man was not good for hockey. Remember hockey was on ESPN2 which had limited households then much like VS. The only thing I wish is that hotels had VS. Almost all have ESPN and many have ESPN2 now but I have never stayed anywhere that had VS.

 

[TOX1]

I would appreciate NHL2night tho. Big fan of Bucci

+1

...and I'm with pix...I'd like to see Thorne back in the prime time also.

 

[JustAsking]

tomorrow should be a good indication... NHL on NBC at 8est. NBA on ABC at 7:30est.

 

[naslundfan19]

+1

...and I'm with pix...I'd like to see Thorne back in the prime time also.

Get Bill Clement and John Davidson while you're at it, Tox!

 

[puckhead]

Get Bill Clement and John Davidson while you're at it, Tox!

he's a little busy as GM of the Blues

 

[naslundfan19]

he's a little busy as GM of the Blues

Yeah, I know. Always enjoyed his analysis though.

 

[The Q stache]

ya if mma can get a 30 min show on Espn so can hockey

 

[juliansteed]

I'm in Canada so I don't really know but I have a feeling that the NHL and Versus have a chance to grow together. As hockey becomes more popular so will Versus and vice-versa. Hopefully very soon it will be available to everyone.