As it stands, the NBA Finals could still unfold the same way the Stanley Cup did, where everyone wins at home, setting up a Game 7. But how likely is that? Rarely do basketball championships go that far. Just twice in the last 20 years has the NBA Finals needed the full septet of games, whereas the NHL has seen more than twice as many Game 7s(five) ... just this decade.
There was a chance — and I was dead set on thinking — that the NBA Finals would have ended Thursday with a Lakers sweep. Instead, they get at least five games, extending their season past the NHL, which wraps up on Friday in Detroit. It would have given hockey the final impression for the winter sports, which would have cemented the argument for the Stanley Cup being more exciting than the NBA Finals this year. It's a contentious point that hockey really needs right now, since one of its teams is out of money and a few familiar faces such as Sergei Fedorov are signing with teams overseas. Nevertheless, hockey will have the ratings jackpot of a Game Seven, while the NBA has a long road to travel on a rickety moped to reach one of their own.
It can't go wrong for hockey on Friday night. Either the Red Wings become a dynasty and the Marian Hossa "betrayal" saga comes full circle, or still frames of Sidney Crosby holding up Lord Stanley's Cup effectively swear in the league's reigning superstar. If the game goes to overtime, then, well, the blind squirrel trips over its cherished acorn, and everyone wins.
(Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Versus and the NHL need to do a better job building the brand, and they need better broadcasters.
2 - Jordan Richardson
Versus SUCKS. NHL needs to get back with ESPN immediately if there's to be any decent market coverage in the United States. Luckily I think that's what Bettman has in mind.
3 - Matt Sussman
I've heard some people who actually enjoy the Versus broadcasters over the NBC guys. Not sure who they are, but they do exist.
It doesn't sound like ESPN has any interest in getting back together. And now that they air NBA playoff games, how do you fit hockey in there?
I've always wondered by NBC doesn't buy Versus and use ABC's model to dole out their sports coverage.
4 - Robert M. Barga
The thing is, it is better on VS only if i can get VS HD on WOW cable, otherwise way to go NBC
that said, putting it back on ESPN is a horrible thing. We remember how the brodcast was treated and all of that, keep it off of there
5 - Robert M. Barga
may i point out a common myth - you all think that ESPN and NBC are doing well well, VS kicked their ass'.
6 - Matt Sussman
So Versus has two Stanley Cup games, ESPN has nothing, and Versus just barely outdraws them.
Your link says nothing about NBC.
7 - Ginger Haycox
Being an obsessive Penguins fan, I guess there's no question here how I feel about the points you've made. But as "obscure" as the game of hockey is, it has to be noted that the Stanley Cup is the single most recognized trophy in the world. Yes, in the world! How is that? How is it that this 35 pound silver chalice is so widely known, yet ESPN can still make more money from showing that wonderful 'sport' poker than it can one of the most exciting games on earth?
As far as VS goes, they are relatively new at carrying hockey so some of their coverage is forgivable. At least they carry it. I think both ESPN & Fox dropped the ball (or puck, if you will) on this one & have let down a lot of hockey fans in this country.
8 - Robert M. Barga
valid point
i believe that the VS network was pulling more than NBC for local markets during the playoffs (they mentioned it at the end of detroit/chicago series)
9 - Robert M. Barga
@7 and wayne gretzky is one of the msot recognized names in the world