In USA TODAY's special bonus section previewing the NHL
playoffs, Michael Hiestand notes the NHL still "needs bigger
ratings" to match its young demographics (USA TODAY, 4/16).
....Fox's Sunday coverage will have the Rangers-Canadiens as the
"main game." The Flyers-Lightning series is the only all-U.S.
series playing this Sunday (USA TODAY, 4/16).... TSN's first-
round series will be the Flyers-Lightning and Penguins-Capitals
(TSN)....CBC will air the Maple Leafs-Blues nationally, even
though the Canadiens-Rangers "appears to be a better series."
John Shannon, Exec Producer of "Hockey Night in Canada," said the
decision was at the request of regional broadcasters, with Wayne
Gretzky's presence a "redeeming element," according to the GLOBE
& MAIL's William Houston. Houston notes CBC lost a "high-impact
doubleheader" on Saturday because Fox requested more games on
Sunday (GLOBE & MAIL, 4/16)....In Vancouver, Alex Strachan
examines the debate in Canada over replacing CBC's regular
schedule with NHL playoff games each spring. The Juneau
Commission has recommended CBC reduce it sports programming and
share rights with private broadcasters (VANCOUVER SUN,
4/16)....ESPN's playoff promos will feature the "women's
perspective," with players' wives, sisters, fiancees and
daughters giving insight on their lives. The spots were directed
by actress Mary Stuart Masterson (ESPN).
