The Best Playoffs No One Cares About

by joehass on May 13, 2009 2:00 PM CDT in Opinion

The NHL has picked a fine time to go into hiding.

Oh, sure, there's incredible hockey going on: three Game 7s, including a matchup of the two "big names" in hockey. There's a possibility of three of the Original Six making it into the conference finals for the first time since 1979. The games have been filled with drama, tension, and wild scoring.

And no one cares.

Oh, sure, you care. You're reading this blog (and we thank you), and I'm sure you're enjoying it.

But really...no one else cares.

Here's why:

1) Versus: yes, it's our favorite whipping boy, but from their cockup in switching viewers from one game to another to failing to show dramatic endings to promoting games they aren't even showing to an utter lack of interest in promoting the league, Versus has managed to show that they're best at finding new ways to foul up broadcasting. And here's the best part: Gary Bettman thinks the way this should be resolved is for people to tell hotels they won't stay there unless they carry Versus! Speaking as someone who has been living in hotels for the past seven months: they don't care. It's the equivalent of saying you won't stay at a hotel that doesn't carry Coke or Pepsi. Bless your heart for making a stand, but that's not going to change a thing.

2) Lack of constant discipline: it took me a while to believe that there are people who think the NHL is as fixed as pro wrestling, but after the NHL decided that there's no reason to actually, you know, enforce their own rules on suspensions, I've given up. Never mind the fact that they've shown no interest in protecting the players from violent contact to the head (for which the NHLPA should be raising bloody hell). But after watching the end of Game 6, I know that the NHL will do absolutely nothing. A team started fights after the final horn had blown, against players that don't fight (which violates the unspoken rules of fighting), throwing elbows in the process, but I know the NHL will decide they don't want to get involved. When the best article from SI.com is on this very topic, you know that's not a good thing.

3) The NBA playoffs: I can't stand the NBA. But I was watching that Bulls/Celtics series. When I flip past TNT and see EJ, Charles, and Kenny, I stop because I know it's going to be an interesting broadcast. They thought it was going to be a Lakers/Cavs finals, but outside of the Cavaliers, it's been bedlam in the playoffs. This doesn't help the NHL from a media coverage perspective. I'm going off memory here, but this is all you need to know: I watch ESPNEWS in the morning during the week, and since the Conference semis started, I can't remember the last time an NBA playoff game has appeared after the first segment. I can remember that if there are two NHL games on in one day, one of them will appear in the second segment, buried after at least one regular season MLB game.

4) Jim Balsillie: What Balsillie is doing deserves its own post (very short opinion: desperate people do desperate things), but the fact that it popped up now screams that Bettman has no control over the situation. Compare this to David Stern, who rules then NBA like a mafia don. Can you imagine an NBA team pulling this stuff off in the middle of the playoffs? Neither can I.

I'll wrap this up with the saddest thing I've read, from no less than Red Wings Alternate Governor Jim Devellano. When asked by the Toronto Star about Bettman's future, here was his response:

"Gary Bettman was hired to do two things. One, to grow the game in the U.S. Two, to get a hard (players') salary cap. Nothing more. Nothing less. He's delivered on both counts."

They don't care. Why the hell should you?

(hat tip to George Malik)

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RE:Best Playoffs Noone Cares About

Chalk your feelings up to being a hockey fan, brother. I’ve grown tired of getting angry about the terrible coverage, the dilution of talent via ridiculous expansion, dumb rule changes, and the like. All you need to know is this:
There are three of the Original Six left in the final eight playoff teams. Chicago stunned the Canucks, the Red Wings are playing well, and the Bruins could cap off one of hockey’s all time post season comebacks with another victory. Still, noone cares.
The NHL’s best players at EVERY POSITION made it to the Conference Semi’s. Crosby, Ovie, Green, Malkin, Niedermayer, Lidstrom, Luongo, Datsyuk, Getzlaf, Thomas, Chara – the list is quite impressive, as far as individual talent is concerned. Still, noone cares.
Out of the four playoff series going on, three are at Game 7, and the other went six. Still, noone cares.
Bottom line? Embrace what we’re seeing, which is arguably the best post-season since 92’-93’. And accept the fact that the NHL will never take off in this country the way we true puckheads know it should. Guys like you and I can kick and scream all we want – but the bottom line is that Bettman’s still our commish, Versus and their idiot color commentators are still calling the bulk of playoff hockey, and unfortunately, a sport where height automatically gives you a chance to play (the NBA) will still draw more than the greatest game ever.

by Mike20 on May 13, 2009 3:03 PM CDT reply actions

nice post. looks like you have a nice blog over here. I hope I will have to pay more attention to it later in the playoffs. (though we both have game 7’s and another round before we can worry about such things,lol)

Good luck

by CarolinaCanes on May 13, 2009 3:12 PM CDT reply actions

I am not sure about the no one cares part. I see more and more people watching the playoffs every year. Yes, I agree, the ratings aren’t what the NHL wanted, but how does that affect you as a fan? I think the NHL fan-base is growing and that is all you can ask for.

1. Yes, I hate Vs. just as much as the next guy. I was watching a Caps game and they missed a goal right off the face-off because they were showing a replay. I hate the fact you don’t get to watch every game in the playoffs because most of the teams, except for Ducks are on the east coast or an hour away. Usually you are stuck with what THEY think is an interesting match-up. With tha being said, you have to play the hand you were dealt. It is all we got for now, hopefully next year NHL network will pick up the slack. BTW, I hate NHL on the fly not being HD.

2. Got to agree with you on this one. They are scared of doing anything that might back fire and alienate a fan base. If anyone other than Ovechkin had hit Gonchar the way he did, it would have been at least a one game suspension.

3. I think being an NBA or NHL fan is ALMOST mutually exclusive. It is an either/or case in my opinion.

4. Uhmmm, I think this is where you got it all wrong. If anything, it is the other way around. The NBA is a joke, I watch very very very little if any. It is like a dunk contest these days and Stern is really scared of the players. The today’s NBA is clear example of when the players become bigger than the game. Not many will watch the NBA for basketball but will do it if James and/or Bryant are playing.

As far as teams moving, yeah I can imagine. Actually it happened last year. The Super Sonics moved from Seattle and are now called the OKC Thunder.

I hope the Coyotes stay in Phoenix.

by CapsFan on May 13, 2009 3:20 PM CDT reply actions

You saved me some time

I was going to write something very similar to this after the postseason but you have gotten it 100% how I would have said it. One thing they were debating on Around the Horn the other day (at least i think it was ATH) was how if the NHL started a month or two earlier, they would have the entire postseason to themselves. College basketball is done, MLB is just starting, and the NBA is finishing up its sorry excuse for a season. It would give a good window of time to be alone and explode in popularity.
In the end, i think the downfall of the NHL has been Versus. I feel bad solely blaming it on the one channel but thats exactly it. Its one channel. In the US, only 2/3 of the country get the channel where as nearly everyone gets ESPN.

As for the NHL’s plan to carry over more games to the NHL network next year? HORRIBLE IDEA! Has anyone ever watched a game on there? its like watching one of those high school football games thats broadcasted by the public access channel. And not to mention even less people get that than they do Versus!!

Another thing that has ticked me off is this. I have bought the NHL package. I have upgraded my cable to get Versus and NHL Network. Yet there have been at least 5 games during the postseason i couldnt watch!! How does the league hope to succeed and become on the same level of the NBA during this time if its fanbase gets screwed over even after paying extra money?!

www.wingingitinmotown.com

by Casey Richey on May 13, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions

Replying In Bulk

Mike: I know we’ve been arguing about this for a while now, but for some reason, this year it’s become even more frustrating and maddening, which is what frustrates me even more than usual.

Carolina: Thanks for stopping by and for the nice words.

Caps: I wasn’t trying to compare the NBA and NHL fanbases. It’s that the NBA television product at least entices me to stop by. The NHL’s product is the worst of both worlds: it alienates the hardcore fans while not providing enough to get the casual or non fans to stop by. As for Balsillie: what infuriates me is that he’s doing this in the middle of the playoffs! Major League Baseball is an example of doing it right: during the World Series, the other 28 teams are effectively told to keep their cakeholes shut for anything. The fact that Balsillie is doing this now, in the middle of the playoffs, is infuriating as a hockey fan and validates that he doesn’t love the game…he’s just an egotistical maniac. And as for the former Seattle Supersonics: Clay Bennett is a contemptible businessman, and everything else I think about him and his dealings aren’t suitable for publication.

Norris: To be clear: I don’t think moving the games to ESPN would suddenly become a panacea to the league, but I do think it sends a message to the sports world that they’re ready to rejoin the league. When the NHL went to OLN in 2005, I actually thought it was a well-calculated risk that could pay off handsomely. But after being rebuffed by the NFL and MLB, they managed to isolate themselves in the sports world.

Here, in a nutshell, is the NHL:
Good news: they get a write-up on time.com, which is linked to on si.com
Bad news: it’s all about how incredibly lousy the TV deal is.
Worse news: no less than Rocky Wirtz is quoted in it: “Quite frankly, I don’t believe people know what Versus is, and I still don’t know what they do.”

Bra-vo!

by joehass on May 13, 2009 6:12 PM CDT reply actions

1995

umm.. didnt the red wings beat the blackhawks 4-1 enroute to getting swept by the “clutch and hold” devils? im not looking it up by my memory is pretty good so you may wanna check that 1979 factoid. other than that i concur. im gonna add losing the “instigator” penalty would cut down on cheapshot/goon tactic hockey ie players didnt go after gretzky because the knew they would have to answer to mcsorley. the “new NHL” has opened up to cheap/dirty play by trying to take the sport in a new direction. they think more goals is more excited. HOGWASH!! who remembers game 7 west semi’s 1996?? yeah that was a reeeeeeally boring 1-0 2OT sleeper!! ok ill stfu now!

by CUP#12 on May 13, 2009 6:44 PM CDT reply actions

CUP: My typing error: I meant to say three of the Original Six instead of “there.” The other two teams in 1995 were Philly and New Jersey.

The issue with the instigator penalty has been going on and off for a while now, and I’m not sure whether removing the instigator penalty would help or hurt the game at this point. The Red Wings have shown (much to the dismay of many traditionalists) that you don’t have to be physical to be great.

As for the issue of scoring: as a baseball fan, I’m the first person to tell you that the number of goals scored doesn’t correlate to the excitement level of the game. A taut, 1-0 game can be just as exciting as the 7-5 Hawks/Canucks game from a couple nights back.

by joehass on May 13, 2009 8:24 PM CDT reply actions

joe i figured it was something like a typo. this blog has too many well informed people posting on here. i love reading it. it is one of my faves right up there with ak, gjm and a2y.

by CUP#12 on May 14, 2009 1:20 AM CDT reply actions

Quote from the Star article

“I gave Gary [Bettman] a hockey puck once,” joked Pat Williams when he was GM of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, “and he spent the rest of the day trying to open it.”

Fear The Fin = We're not as think as you drunk we are.

by Mr. K. on May 14, 2009 1:40 AM CDT reply actions

Me again

ok,let me get this straight…..we are LESS then 9 hours away from your game 7 and…….NOTHING here???

you guys are no longer “hockey town”…….DAMN,i cant BELIEVE the lack of interest here……i dont want to lecture you,BUT CMON…….this looks soooooooo bad i cant even describe it

and here in nucks land we would be clogging up the net to post

by dave1205 on May 14, 2009 9:12 AM CDT reply actions

NO EXCUSE

If i posted something like this on Nucks Misconduct i would have been attacked in mins…….i gotta sleep,i will check back later,but this site seems dead

by dave1205 on May 14, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions

ok,maybe im at wrong site?

i see last post by a wings fan was before midnight my time…..is this your latest get together?

by dave1205 on May 14, 2009 9:29 AM CDT reply actions

but then again

maybe the lead story caused you to say……hmmmmm…..looks like a nice day out there

by dave1205 on May 14, 2009 9:31 AM CDT reply actions

Ok,heres some inside info.....

Damn,i hope im not on a dead site
but anyways…….early reports are Luongo most likely will NOT sign an extension this summer if the Sedin twins arent signed,and its looking bleak for the twins to sign.

nucks would then look to trade luongo this summer,rather then wait till next season……luongo with a wing on chest?

could happen!

by dave1205 on May 14, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

Ok,i just read story above in entirety

But STILL…..no excuse for lack of interest in your own team

Hockey RULES in Canada,you used to be the same…….its kinda sad

by dave1205 on May 14, 2009 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

Dude

Chill out. There’s thing that a lot of people have and its called work. People will get on here when they can and even if they dont does it make them any less of a hockey fan? No, not at all. If being a fan is solely about message boards, then i guess fans never existed before the internet did they? A lot of people go out and watch the games with their friends and family so its really not that big of a problem.

www.wingingitinmotown.com

by Casey Richey on May 14, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree......

but you cant say 1k fans in blues country dont have jobs……or the nucks fans in Misconduct land dont have jobs……..time difference aside…….lack of support shown here

just my opinion

by dave1205 on May 15, 2009 6:54 AM CDT up reply actions

lack of support

on a blog doesnt mean lack of support from a fanbase. And what i meant by people having work is that for those of us on the East coast its harder to stay up for a 1030 game with work at the next morning at 8 and be on a computer during the game.

www.wingingitinmotown.com

by Casey Richey on May 15, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions

One non-NHL'ers opinion

I live in Vermont which is a hockey mad state (generally Bruin country, although some Montreal fans as well). It’s 10:00 at night and the 3rd period of Game 7 between the Bruins and Hurricanes (formerly Hartford’s team—not there’s any remaining love in CT) is on and I can’t get the game. Not on NESN (local station). Not on Versus. Not on CBC.

It’s a great sport and I actually enjoyed a lot of college hockey this year, but it’s real hard to get into the NHL when you can’t effin watch the damn game.

by DoubleB on May 14, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions

You’re exactly right. This is why the NHL needs to give up the exclusivity for Versus. At least ESPN has multiple outlets. Forcing two game 7s at the same time doesn’t exactly endure yourself to the hockey fans. :)

As for the ~~Whalers~~Hurricanes…have I mentioned how much Peter Karmanos can go cram it with walnuts lately? Because he can.

by joehass on May 19, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Article

Great article, how did you write about all that with out cussing your head off! I sure couldn’t, and to the first poster, NOT ALL PUCK HEADS ARE GUYS, k

by Purrrnella on May 15, 2009 4:27 PM CDT reply actions

Because we’re told that every time we write a naughty word, Chris Chelios ages an extra day.

And as someone who knows plenty of female hockey fans (including the lead author of this blog), please be assured that we’re well aware of this fact. :)

by joehass on May 19, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions