To the surprise of no one in North America, NBC and the NHL chose the Rangers-Penguins game March 30 as part of their flexible schedule for Sunday afternoon games.
This will be the Rangers' fourth and final regular-season NBC appearance this season, because four is the limit.
NBC still has not decided whether to re-up with the NHL for next season. Or at least it hasn't shared the decision with me.
Comments (5)
Also, Versus has selected/confirmed the March 25th game against Philly.
You would know more, but I've heard a rumor or two on other message boards that NBC will make a decision by the end of the regular season (even though ratings should theoretically increase during the playoffs). Or at least, the league wants a decision by then.
If the NHL goes ahead with rumored plans of a Rangers/Bruins matchup on New Years Day at Yankee Stadium, this Islander/Yankees fan will be picketing outside of Yankee Stadium.
Simply sacrilege to have a team from Boston playing in what will be the final sporting event to be ever played in that Shrine.
(Even WORSE if the Rangers lose to a team from BOSTON).
Just my opinion.
How about April 6?
NBC can pick from one of these three games
Chicago @ Detroit - a dud since the Wings have wrapped things up in their conference and Chicago's out of contention
Pitt vs. Phila - puts the Penguins over the limit
Rangers @ Devils - puts the Rags over the limit.
But is there an NBC double secret exemption that 1) throws out the January 1 outdoor game and/or 2) a game with any whiff of Sidney Crosby playing.
Personal preference is Rangers @ Devils. Doc Emrick would be stellar in calling the match between the team he works with [the Devils] and the team responsible for a good chunk of his yearly compensation [Rangers].
Neil. There is no way this is the last NBC selection. I am aware that the contract states 4 games but both the Rangers and Pens have now reached that. The problem is according to the NHL website - the 3 games set aside for April 6 are as follows.
1. Devils vs Rangers
2. Flyers vs Penguins
3. Red Wings vs Chicago
This means that unless they either
A) break their own rules and show the Rangers 5 times
B) say the Pitt Jan 1 game doesnt count in the "4 games" and show the Pens 5 times
C) get NBC to give them the 3PM time slot and do the Dallas vs San Jose game
that NBC will show the Red Wings vs Chicago. I couldnt possibly find a more fascinating way for the playoffs to be promoted. Here you have Detroit who would have already clinched the Presidents Cup (best record in the league) against a team who hasnt made the playoff this century. But then at 3PM on regional television the Rangers and Flyers will be playing games that potentially determine who's in and who's out or seeding.
And you wonder why they cant get past a 0.9 rating. I mean seriously - show the best game - or don't show anything.
Jeff Wirtheim
Jeff: I will inquire. Thanks.