Does anyone else think the All Star game needs more hitting? The only exciting part of the game last Saturday was when Roenick checked Zhitnik into the boards. Maybe in addition to the skills competition, the Youngstars game, and the actual All Star game; they should have a Tough Guys game. Invite guys like Domi, Worrell, Brashear, and aggresive goalies like Potvin and Osgood. I'd watch that.
Originally posted by quagmiresomehow, i don't think abc would go for that.
You're right, and neither would the NHL since they're always trying to demphasize the fighting and physical side of hockey, in favor of speed, skill and goal scoring.
as exciting as the fights can be, the sad fact is that hardly anyone watches the nhl. the only reasonable option bettman has is to try to attract fans with the scoring while at the same time keeping the network happy. in some ways, it stinks...but on the other hand, the nhl really needs to get more airtime on a major network other than the stanley cup finals and every so often saturday afternoon games. in regard to the all star game, i really liked the youngsters game and IMO their all star events are way better than any of the other major sports.
Originally posted by quagmireas exciting as the fights can be, the sad fact is that hardly anyone watches the nhl. the only reasonable option bettman has is to try to attract fans with the scoring while at the same time keeping the network happy. in some ways, it stinks...but on the other hand, the nhl really needs to get more airtime on a major network other than the stanley cup finals and every so often saturday afternoon games. in regard to the all star game, i really liked the youngsters game and IMO their all star events are way better than any of the other major sports.
The NHL generally gets screwed when it comes to U.S. TV contracts. "Oh, no one watches hockey," many people claim; but a big reason why that is because hockey is rarely shown on network TV. And that's a damn shame, because hockey is still the most exciting sport. In any case, I don't think hitting/fighting in the All-Star Game would be a good idea. The All-Star Game basically showcases the NHL's best players, which are selected for their talent-not their hitting/grit. So it would really be out of place for a game that is designed to be a high-scoring, high-octane affair.
...Some fear the Pink... ...But many fear....THE MOUNTIE! (He's handsome, he's brave, and he's strong, you know)
Watch the Olympics, mentally plug in all of the skating talent that is in the NHL and tell me that the game wouldn't be a hell of a lot more exciting - you'd have baseball scores (7-6) instead of soccer scores (1-0).
The best thing they could do is make the rink bigger.
Bruce Wayne: "We've met." Selina Kyle: "Have we?" Bruce: "Sorry, I mistook me for someone else." - Batman Returns
I hate to say it but the reason "no one" watches hockey in the States is because your commentators suck. Especially the guys who do the Boston games, they sound so bored. And does anybody know who the new guy doing the Montreal and Toronto game was? And what happened to the other guy?
Don't believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see.
I hate to say it but the reason "no one" watches hockey in the States is because your commentators suck. Especially the guys who do the Boston games, they sound so bored.
use whatever dumb american hockey fan comeback you'd like, but i think the first step is getting it on network tv more often than 10 games a year. i happen to like thorne/clement when they're doing espn games, and when they throw mcdonough in on playoff games, that's fine with me. i don't know if you mean the bruins announcers during abc games, but if you're talking about their regular nesn/upn announcers, dale arnold is solid and dave shea is derek sanderson incarnate.
I must admit I've never heard the guys from ESPN. I never even thought about ESPN when posting. But the guys that I have heard on ABC and UPN (I think) made it sound like I was watching curling or something.
Don't believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see.
I'd imagine that they'll give season ticket holders in Chicago first crack at the tickets, before opening them up for public sale later if any remain. Keep an eye open for an announcement on that later on, if that's the case.