[chilltown]

As much as I hated the glowing puck and the ridiculous robotic hockey players, I don't receive Versus in my home and I want FOX back. I think Gary Bettman needs to resign and take OLN/Vs with him. Is he really contemplating a contract extension with the Rodeo/Hunting channel? It wasn't that New Jersey and Detroit didn't sell out their first-round playoff games because the teams aren't interesting. Rather, they had empty seats because the intensity of hockey gradually builds to the playoffs; fanaticism isn't created in a short period.

Many of homes in Hockeytown didn't get the regular season games because of Versus and those fans are probably not that interested even though Detroit could win the cup. With Fox and FX, they could show a lot of regular season games and then get people amped for the playoffs. The season starts in October, owners want to sell tickets all year, and fans want to be able to find games on the TV if we can't make it to the game.

Bettman...get your head outta your donkey!

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by chilltown

As much as I hated the glowing puck and the ridiculous robotic hockey players, I don't receive Versus in my home and I want FOX back. I think Gary Bettman needs to resign and take OLN/Vs with him. Is he really contemplating a contract extension with the Rodeo/Hunting channel? It wasn't that New Jersey and Detroit didn't sell out their first-round playoff games because the teams aren't interesting. Rather, they had empty seats because the intensity of hockey gradually builds to the playoffs; fanaticism isn't created in a short period.

Many of homes in Hockeytown didn't get the regular season games because of Versus and those fans are probably not that interested even though Detroit could win the cup. With Fox and FX, they could show a lot of regular season games and then get people amped for the playoffs. The season starts in October, owners want to sell tickets all year, and fans want to be able to find games on the TV if we can't make it to the game.

Bettman...get your head outta your donkey!

You're 100% right. Bettman has had long enough to improve hockey's lot and he's failed miserably.

Maybe hockey is what it is and will never be popular. But at least try another commisioner and see what happens.

[blueandwhite]

i just read that NBC stopped showing the Buff/Ott game when it was going to overtime and went over to the Preakness.
What a pisser. So if you had versus you could keep watching, but if you didn't, you had to watch horse racing or wait to read about the score.
You guys who are great hockey fans in the States need to make the networks hear you - be loud and angry.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

i just read that NBC stopped showing the Buff/Ott game when it was going to overtime and went over to the Preakness.
What a pisser. So if you had versus you could keep watching, but if you didn't, you had to watch horse racing or wait to read about the score.
You guys who are great hockey fans in the States need to make the networks hear you - be loud and angry.

That's a great idea, blue, but I just don't think there's enough of us for the networks to care. Without knowing, I bet you the Preakness netted higher ratings than the playoff game did. That's the state of hockey on TV in America and it's a cryin' shame, but it's a very small minority that even gives a darn.

[blueandwhite]

Could be it's just not an american game like it is ours, but I wonder, how is it Bettman's fault?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

Could be it's just not an american game like it is ours, but I wonder, how is it Bettman's fault?

Well, it's been a while so my facts could be wrong, but it comes down to the league's negotiations with ESPN, post lockout. If I'm remembering right, he actually wanted the sports network to pay more for the sport and ESPN balked. When ESPN had it they ran several games a week and it was great, but it hasn't been the same every since those negotiations fell through. The thinking was that a smart commish would've signed a cheaper, short term deal with ESPN to get the league's American fanbase up and then try to up the price. Instead they took more money and buried the game on a little-known station, sacrificing exposure for a quick buck.

[blueandwhite]

I've always wondered why you guys complain about him so much, but now that makes sense to me. yeah, if you want to find a better audience, make a bigger audience, then make it more available.
I would love for more people to discover hockey in the US.
But then, I just don't get nascar.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

But then, I just don't get nascar.

WHAT ???? Go fast and turn left. What's not to understand ???

[joepuckster]

Bettman has killed the NHL. He should have been fired a LONG time ago...

[blueandwhite]

ok let me put it this way - i don't like nascar.

[EmpireWF]

Bettman has been a failure because over the last ten years, the NHL audience (at least in America) has dwindled considerably. I said it before and it remains correct, his marketing of the game (or lack thereof) is HORRENDOUS.

How he's still the Commish baffles me.

[blueandwhite]

thing is, it's extremely successful up here - he doesn't look like a bum from where i sit - how to market to an audience that doesn't seem to want it? again, the tv deal sounded like a bad one - but Americans in general don't seem receptive to hockey - to the point of not even wanting to consider it- like it is an affront.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

ok let me put it this way - i don't like nascar.

Perhaps NHL jerseys need to have sponsership patches like NASCAR...that will increase revenue...and make for colorful wear...I think the stickers is what made NASCaR what it is today...

[chilltown]

Are NASCAR's ratings still as strong as they have been the last few years?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

That's a great idea, blue, but I just don't think there's enough of us for the networks to care. Without knowing, I bet you the Preakness netted higher ratings than the playoff game did. That's the state of hockey on TV in America and it's a cryin' shame, but it's a very small minority that even gives a darn.

And I was right. The NHL game netted a 1.6 rating. The Preakness was a 5.4. No contest.