NHL: We dont got teeth or brains

While every American is watching the NBA playoffs, there are other postseason games occurring every night. These games are the product of one of the worst things in professional sports today, the NHL.

I know many people hate David Stern and Bud Selig, but Gary Bettman is by far the worst. He talks about expanding, bringing the NHL to national prominence; however, he has yet to sign on a major tv deal. As I understand it, if you want people to watch your games, you must BROADCAST them on television. Instead, the few of us, who watch any sport regardless of recognition or not, have to go to a local bar or order the Versus channel.

I am understanding in the fact that the NHL does not have the money to advertise on ESPN, but how many have heard of UFC before they started advertising on ESPN. Even they understood, Spike TV can carry you oh so far. Just like any businessman does, sometimes you have to take initial losses to reap future rewards; however, Bettman and the rest of the NHL owners refuse to use logic. I actually do like watching Sidney Crosby highlights on SportsCenter and then am like, "why am I getting excited about a sport, I CAN'T even watch on cable television."

Also, as much as I loathe the length it takes for the NBA to get through a postseason, I cant understand why in the first round of the NHL playoffs they play 4 games in one night, and even one night I recall seeing 5 games scheduled. While that many games can be reasonable, but not if they are occurring at essentially the same time. Even the NBA starts playoff games at 7pm, then a lag for the next 8pm game. Besides the TV deals, the NHL needs to contract and put the product in places that will appreciate it. For example, Toronto Maple Leaf games are one of the hardest tickets in sports comparable to the Green Bay Packers. That city could easily absorb two NHL teams, but instead it places two NHL teams in sunny Florida. Again, put more teams in Canada where fans can actually watch and appreciate the sport, if Mr.Bettman refuses to cater to Americans.

Peace out