Golf Channel will air two first-round games, including one involving the LightningGETTY IMAGES
Two first-round Stanley Cup Playoff games -- Game 4 of Devils-Lightning and Sharks-Ducks -- are "scheduled to air" next Wednesday on Golf Channel, the first time the net will carry NHL postseason action, according to Dan Gartland of SI.com. NBC's move to put the games on Golf Channel comes "even though NHL Network isn't showing any games" that day. First-round games normally "air on the teams' usual local broadcasters but can be seen elsewhere on NBC's networks" (SI.com, 4/9). AWFUL ANNOUNCING's Alex Putterman compared this year's broadcast schedule to '17 and noted it "seems that every channel (besides Golf) will air the same number of games over the first 10 days" of the playoffs, except NBC and CNBC will "simulcast a pair of games Saturday, which clears room for Golf Channel to carry a couple contests." Though it is not known "for sure what NBCU is thinking with this decision, it's possible the company is looking to pump up Golf Channel's distribution, as hockey fans call their carriers to ask about the network." The move likely is "destined to anger some hockey fans, who eternally feel their sport doesn't get the proper respect" (AWFULANNOUNCING.com, 4/9). NBC Sports & NBCSN President of Programming Jon Miller noted the games are airing on Golf Channel due to "programming conflicts" with USA Network and CNBC on April 18 (THE DAILY).
TWITTER REAX: Detroit News' Tony Paul tweeted, "Quite a TV contract you've got there, NHL." Buffalo-based WGR-AM's Howard Simon: "Way to go NHL. Your network partner is burying playoff games." Puck Podcast: "It's better than Versus or Outdoor Living Network but this still an embarrassing TV partnership between the NHL and NBC." ESPN's Linda Cohn: "Does that mean we can expect Tiger and Phil in the booth with Patrick Reed and his green jacket in between the benches?" Detroit Free Press' Randy Turner: "Interestingly, it will be followed by coverage of Edmonton Oilers actually golfing." Awful Announcing: "No word on if those Golf Channel broadcasts will come with 'Get in the hole!' shouts."
CHOOSING SIDES? In Winnipeg, Dylan Robertson notes the Maple Leafs and Jets are the only Canadian teams in the playoffs, but the CBC "plans to air the Leafs’ entire opening-round best-of-seven playoff series." That means Jets fans will "have to get their viewing fix from Rogers Sportsnet." CBC English Head of Public Affairs Chuck Thompson "did not answer whether CBC had pushed Sportsnet to get both Canadian teams on its screens." Sportsnet Senior Manager of Communications Sarah Grossman said that Sportsnet "weighs 'numerous factors' in crafting the NHL playoff schedule." Fans who do "stick with CBC will at least get to see" the Penguins-Flyers series (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 4/10).
