Based on the comments, emails and tweets I received from my blog post regarding Teemu Selanne and his rather unkind words directed at NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, it is quite apparent that we as hockey fans are just as divided as the NHL and NHLPA.
That's fine by me, that's why we have these types of forums.
So, why not stir the pot once again by digging up the old argument about the NHL and its national television coverage. I for one appreciate the work NBC has done since it purchased the exclusive rights to broadcast NHL games on its various netwroks. Other than perhaps a bit of bias towards certain teams (Penguins, Red Wings and Rangers), the network has done a very good job in general.
NBC promotes the games well and often. NBC has generated increased interest and higher ratings then ever before and the production value is above reproach. Plus they have Doc Emerick - Not too shabby if you ask me.
Yes, the NBC Sports Network is still in its infancy, but the NHL and the network have a good partnership. In fact, its feasible to say that one of the biggest reasons the league has grown to a $3 billion enterprise is because of its deal with NBC. Would you not agree?
Teemu Selanne disagrees. In the same blog in which he blasted Bettman, he also mentions better national TV coverage for the league and specifically mentions ESPN as major revenue booster for the league and its owners. Talk about things that make you go, "Huh?"
"However, television giant ESPN, which was rejected by the ice hockey and took the Texas hold'em poker place, is still the biggest source of revenue lost".
"Mr. Bettman to try to negotiate even hockey back to the big TV companies, such as ESPN. It probably could use the extra money for these "poor" clubs."
Remember this is translated from Finnish to English but the message still comes across loud and clear.
I have to disagree with Selanne on this one. ESPN has never given hockey a second thought. If you are lucky enough to catch a hockey highlight on Sportscenter than you better rush out and buy a lottery ticket because it might be your lucky day.
To this day walking away from ESPN was the best thing for the NHL and Bettman. ESPN doesn't need the NHL and I still believe the NHL doesn't need ESPN.
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Another Lockout video! This one is.....different....Enjoy!
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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