The NHL has released its national television schedule for the 2011-2012 season and one thing hasn't changed: there are few Carolina Hurricanes listings.
The Canes will be shown four times on Versus, which will become NBC Sports Network on Jan. 2. There are no scheduled Carolina games on NBC.
In contrast, the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers will be shown 13 times each. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks each will make 12 appearances.
At the other end of the TV spectrum: the Florida Panthers, with just one Versus appearance.
The Canes' Versus games are: Oct. 12 against the Bruins; Nov. 8 against the New Jersey Devils; Feb. 20 against the Washington Capitals; and March 13 against the New York Rangers. The Devils and Rangers games are on the road.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
T.V.Schedule
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 20:26 — louis12580I decided to look at the schedule of games to be shown on Versus and was amazed to see that Minnesota will be on 9 times. Yes, the Wild. NINE times. Heatley and Setoguchi are that big that the Wild are on NINE times? That's ONE fewer game than Pittsburgh, at least as far as Versus (soon to change names) is concerned.
As a fan of the Canes and the Wolverines...
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 19:24 — AverysDadI'd much rather see you in your Canes cap too.
That said, I completely agree that its counterproductive for the NHL that NBC always shows the same 6 teams. It may produce higher ratings in those markets but doesn't build familiarity and support for the rest of the teams in the league.
So, I was sitting in a bar in ...
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 17:22 — ocolumnPortland, OR, a few weeks ago, enjoying one of that city's incredible beer festivals -- the Annibrewsary at Bailey's Taproom for those interested -- when I start talking to some Portland Winterhawks (WHL) fans. Turns out one of them, an IT guy from Eastern Tennessee, is a huge Hurricanes fan. He even came to Raleigh on his honeymoon! (That's the truth.)
I drive around the country every summer and wear my Hurricanes cap. (It starts fewer fights with all those damned Michigan fans than does my Notre Dame hat.) Anyway, I am always amazed at how many hockey fans in the oddest places tell me they like the Canes.
NBC and Versus: You're making a big mistake by not showing more of the Canes, the Panthers, the Wild and the other small market teams out there. A lot of hockey fans would watch if you'd just give them more variety.