Been a little while between blogs, here are my thoughts on some of the hot topics of the NHL:
The NHL and Rogers join forces
Last week the NHL and Rogers came to terms on a new 12 year television deal which will begin next season. I’ve heard many fans with questions and concerns regarding the deal over the past few days. To keep it short and sweet; if anything, it sounds like hockey fans will have more games to watch and more choice! How often over the years have Montreal fans complained about the Leafs game being the main game on HNIC? Well, according to an example given at the announcement last week, A Saturday night under this deal will involve a Leafs game on CBC, Canadiens game on Sportsnet and Senators game on CITY! Make sure you have batteries in that clicker!! There will also be NO MORE blackouts under this deal! What does this mean? If you have any of the Sportsnet regional channels, you’ll actually be able to watch the game even if you are from outside that particular region!
We all love our Hockey Night in Canada and it will continue for at least 4 years under this deal. During this time, the Stanley Cup playoffs and Stanley Cup finals will be shown on CBC just as they have been for years. What does this mean for Grapes? I think Don Cherry will continue to entertain until he chooses to be done with it. He made it clear on Saturday night that if Rogers doesn’t mess with him, he’ll keep doing what he’s doing. This deal will probably result in Don getting even more TV time on some of Rogers’ other channels. I also think Ron Mclean sticks with Don until he’s ready to retire and then Ron should get some enticing offers, one of which will come from Rogers. It is highly likely that there would be even more change to HNIC if a different network won the deal. Rumor has it that CTV would have pushed to have Saturday game start times moved to 6 eastern so the late game could be shown on TSN in primetime. In other words, the damage could have been worse.
All the concern that has poured in for the hockey personalities on TSN makes me proud to be Canadian. Only Canadians would develop such a connection with these TV personalities that would leave us worrying about their job security. I imagine McKenzie, Duthie and Miller will stick with TSN for the time being unless they get an offer they can’t refuse. All three have been with the network for years and a place should be there for them if they want to stay; however, everyone has a price. What about Darren Dreger? Some may remember that he was originally Sportsnet’s number 1 insider before he jumped ship to join TSN. Would he like to go back? Will Rogers be interested in taking him back? That should be an interesting development. Perhaps next summer we’ll see a Free Agent frenzy “analyst” edition. The people that we should really feel for here are those who we don’t see on our TV screen. It takes a large production crew to put off a live event and sadly it will be many of these folks who are without work.
Many people are also disappointed about the fact the TSN panel won’t be delivering the games anymore. I too, greatly enjoy the guys on TSN but to be fair, the Hockey Central guys are also very good! Daren Millard, Nick Kypreos and Doug Maclean have incredible chemistry as a trio and provide a very entertaining program. I imagine they will only step up their game with an increased national spotlight, giving fans something to enjoy. If you’re looking for a preview of what’s to come from the Sportsnet panel, check out Hockey Central at noon (130 NL time) on Sportsnet, Monday to Friday.
A four team race
One of four teams will win the Cup this year. It’ll be one of San Jose, St.Louis, Los Angeles or Chicago. St. Louis and San Jose are the front runners because by May, both the Kings and Blackhawks will have played a lot of hockey over the last year and a half which will have them worn down. You can also expect to see a lot of Kings and Blackhawks playing in Sochi which again, will add to the wear and tear on the body. I won’t guarantee it’ll be the Sharks or Blues but will Mark Messier Guarantee it’ll be one of those 4 taking home Lord Stanley.
I’m OK with PK
PK Subban has to be on Team Canada in Sochi! This country is very deep at every position but not to the point that we are able to leave the reigning Norris trophy winner home. The guy is far too dynamic and explosive not to take, especially on the big ice of the Olympics. He faces a great deal of criticism because of where he plays and the microscope he plays under. Yes, his game has flaws, as do the games of any other guys being considered for the spot. If Subban was playing in Columbus, he’d be a no brainer for the team. Anyone who might be concerned about his play in his own end should have faith that Mike Babcock and the coaching staff will know how and when to use him. You must take the best players and Subban is one of the best at his position.
What’s wrong with the Leafs?
I’ve only had the chance to catch bits and pieces of Toronto’s recent games but there seems to be a common trend. Either the players are not sticking to the game plan or Carlyle needs to change the game plan. A 6-0 loss to Columbus, the collapse in Pittsburgh, a loss to the lowly Sabres and then falling behind 4-0 in a rivalry game to the habs are all cause for concern. Hockey is a game of action and reaction; right now the Leafs are slow on the action and even slower on the reaction. Getting badly outshot game after game has finally caught up to them and they need to change something. Makes me wonder if Carlyle’s message is getting lost in translation? Or is Dave Bolland that valuable?
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O'Leary's Outlook 