In L.A., Helene Elliott reports NHL Kings broadcaster Bob Miller "suffered a mild stroke" on Saturday. The 78-year-old Miller was taken to the hospital after "saying he hadn't been feeling right while preparing for a broadcast in advance of Saturday's All-Star festivities." Miller, who quadruple bypass surgery last February, had been "involved in many events leading up" to yesterday's All-Star Game at Staples Center, "perhaps overtaxing himself." Ralph Strangis will replace Miller on tomorrow's broadcast of Kings-Coyotes (L.A. TIMES, 1/30).
A LITTLE R&R: In Buffalo, John Vogl wrote Sabres play-by-play broadcaster Rick Jeanneret is "headed to Florida" after calling last Thursday's Sabres-Stars game, where he will "spend a month relaxing with his family." Jeanneret will be "back in the booth" on March 2 for the Sabres' home game against the Coyotes. Jeanneret's "major health problems are behind him, and it’s clear to anyone who has heard his calls" (BUFFALONEWS.com, 1/27).
BLURRED LINES? ESPN's Tedy Bruschi presented Patriots Owner Robert Kraft with the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Patriots defeated the Steelers in the AFC Championship game, and in N.Y., Bob Raissman wondered whether Bruschi would have presented the trophy to the Steelers "if they had won the tilt." Raissman: "When you are presenting a championship trophy to your former boss and serving as an 'honorary captain' for a championship game, you are rubbing it in the face of anyone who expects at least a scintilla of objectivity from Bruschi in his analyst role." Do not "expect these eyeballs to view you as anything more than a cheerleader who once played the game" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/29).
ZO'S WINTER GROOVE: In Providence, Kevin McNamara writes Patriots radio analyst Scott Zolak, a former QB for the team, has "become a true-blue cult hero in New England." While "providing a clear, sharp analysis on game day alongside Bob Socci, Zolak projects a fun-loving, Patriots-loving, everyman person that is no act." Zolak is "nothing if not entertaining," as he "talks fast, struggles to sit still, and often wears sunglasses indoors due to an eye condition." That "adds to the Zo mystique." Like many radio analysts, Zolak "doesn't hide his allegiance." He is a Patriots coach Bill Belichick guy "through and through" (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 1/30).
CASTING ANOTHER LINE: NESN has signed Charlie Moore to a multiyear extension. Moore has been with NESN since '96 and has hosted "Charlie Moore Outdoors" since '99 (NESN).
