The NHL has set itself up for another media debacle at the hooves of thoroughbreds.
For those who don't remember, during last year's Eastern Conference Finals, NBC cut away from the Ottawa Senators' series-clinching victory (in overtime, no less) so it could broadcast an hour of pre-race coverage for the Preakness Stakes. Although the end of the Senators game was broadcast on Versus, the NHL received plenty of negative press for its version of the Heidi Game.
But now, the league that needs every bit of media attention it can get, may blow that opportunity if the Red Wings and Penguins battle to a seventh game. The NHL has scheduled the decisive game for Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m. ... which just happens to be about two hours after the highly anticipated Belmont Stakes, where Big Brown aims to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.
Regardless of sport, Game 7s receive plenty of attention in the press. And should Detroit and Pittsburgh make it that far, the NHL won't be hurting given the ability to market an Original Six team and Penguins center Sidney Crosby.
By putting Game 7 on the same day as the Belmont though, the NHL has to share the headlines with Big Brown. And assuming Big Brown does win, it is fair to say he'll be on page one of every major sports section (excluding Detroit and Pittsburgh), if not the front page. What could have been a boon for the NHL regardless of which team wins suddenly becomes an afterthought in the sports world. It is the kind of chance the league really shouldn't be taking.
Hockey and horses just don't mix
Posted on: May 20, 2008 3:06 am
Edited on: June 12, 2008 11:24 am
Comments
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Reputation: 98
Level: Superstar Since: Aug 13, 2007 
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Posted on: May 20, 2008 11:12 am
Hockey and horses just don't mixNice piece, Erin. If this doesn't convince the NHL to shorten the playoff and/or regular season schedules, nothing will. Horses are supposed to be running in the spring and summer; hockey players are supposed to be golfing. Personally, I think that NHL playoffs should finish in April: they should definitely end before the Kihntucky Derby. This could most likely be done without cutting back on the number of games (owners would hate that) -- cutting back on some of the time off between games oughta do the trick. Many of the more casual sports fans I talk to just shake their heads at the thought of hockey going into June. Even puckheads like myself can only stay interested for so long once the local good guys are done. While the thought of a firewagon Red Wings/Penguins final gives hockey fans like me a hard-on the size of Florida, there are golf courses to be played, boats to be cleaned, fish to be caught, and steaks to be grilled before the next snowfall hits. The NHL does itself no favors by having their finals scheduled at a time when there are so many other alternatives available. |
Reputation: 94
Level: All-Star Since: Dec 24, 2006
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Posted on: May 20, 2008 9:48 pm
Hockey and horses just don't mixVery good point Erin. If the pieces do fall into place, it would be a shame to have horse racing dominate the sports world rather that a game 7 between two highly talented teams. Even if Big Brown does not win, I think the Belmont race would still dominate the news over hockey. The NHL is starting to draw new fans with players such as Sidney Crosby, Marc Andre Fleury, and the Winter Classic was a great success. It would be a shame to end the season with a game 7 and everyone remembering Big Brown. On another note, sorry for the one star Erin. The #&*$ rating system wont let you change your rating even after you make a mistake. |
