NHL on NBC

I can't say that I've been an avid watcher of the NHL on NBC, until the playoffs happen I don't really care much about what's happening other than my home town Philadelphia team. But if the 2010 Finals are any measure this network has a lot of work ahead of it if it's going to effectively cover pro hockey. Notwithstanding that the Blackhawks were the better team and a very deserving Cup champion, I found the coverage of the Finals, and particularly Game 6, biased and disappointing. I also think the interviewing of the coaches during the periods is Mickey Mouse. Stop bothering the poor guys, they're in the middle of something else. But my big complaint is with the perspective of the announcers. The coverage of Game 6, particularly the inaccuracies and selective observations regarding the officiating, was indistinguishable from the coverage you would have received from a partisan Blackhawk crew. Oh, wait a minute, one of the announcing team WAS a member of the current Blackhawks crew. Exhibit A for why the NHL can't maintain major sport status.

When it comes to live sports, NBC is king. From Football to baseball and nba and now NHL, they have a pretty good track record of showing big sports including the Olympics. The NHL has evolved into a major force in sports while other ratings are down. The commentators are pretty good and the camera angles are good.