As we've pointed out on more than a few occassions, we love the NHL Network.
There's something about being able to watch highlights from a 1992 Smythe Division quarterfinal series between the Kings and Jets at 2 a.m. that appeals to the hockey geek in us.
But there are times when we wonder why we pay for the channel.
Today is one of those days.
On the high holy calendar of the NHL, Trade deadline day is like Christmas. July 1, the start of free agency, is like Easter.
And what programming does the NHL Network have on? A lame two-hour episode of NHL Live which is on just about every other day.
Listen, we like NHL Live. It's a solid show. And we can watch it just about anytime Deb Placey is hosting it. (Today is not one of those days. Curse you Rob Simpson.) But on a day like today, the NHL Network needs to step up. This is a day the NHL is made for. There should be nothing but NHL free agency coverage. The Network will tap into TSN at 2 p.m., but that's not acceptable. It should either host its own all-day show or piggyback off TSN.
When the NFL holds its draft, the NFL Network has wall-to-wall coverage of Gene Washington reading off the names of back up place kickers from North Dakota.
When the NFL holds its combine, the NFL Network has wall-to-wall coverage of all-conference centers from New Mexico running the 40.
The NFL Network steps up on its special days.
Why can't the NHL Network?
For those of you who want something a little bit meatier than E.J. Hradek and Simpson yakking at each other, we've found a really fuzzy feed of TSN's first-rate coverage.
UPDATE: A reader has found us a much better feed from TSN to peek at.
Posted
Jul 01 2009, 12:06 PM
by
Seth Rorabaugh