In seasons that the Sabres have been competitive, local TV ratings have "averaged about an 8.0 rating," but the team's last two games "against quality draws averaged ratings" that were about 40% of that figure, according to Alan Pergament of the BUFFALO NEWS. The club's "inability to score and entertain certainly has taken a toll on ratings as many fans have gone to the social networks to declare the games 'unwatchable.'" The Sabres' 3-2 victory in a shootout Sunday against the Red Wings earned a 2.6 rating opposite several NFL games, following a 3.1 rating for Saturday's 5-0 loss to the Penguins on MSG Network, the "same rating that Notre Dame’s 49-39 football victory over Navy had" on WIVB-CBS. The team's 3-1 loss to Blue Jackets in the season opener had a 9.4 rating, which is "triple the rating for last weekend’s games and only slightly lower" than the 9.8 rating for the '13-14 season opener. However, the Sabres have a season or two to "get their act together before they have to negotiate a new TV deal." Of course, getting likely No. 1 draft pick C Connor McDavid or likely No. 2 pick C Jack Eichel "could be a game-changer for the Sabres and make them a TV attraction again by the time the current TV deal expires." The Sabres in '06 signed a 10-year extension with MSG Network to "annually televise about 74 games." There are "constant unsubstantiated rumors" that team Owner Terry Pegula "might consider starting his own regional network once the current TV deal expires." The Sabres' current TV deal that expires after the '16-17 season "doesn’t have any risk," as the club gets the rights fee and keeps advertising revenue, but starting a regional sports network "comes with a huge risk" (BUFFALONEWS.com, 11/5).
