Hockey has an identity crisis

Maybe it has something to with all those franchises south of the Mason-Dixon line where they think of NASCAR as a sport...

Having a TV contract with a network no-one can find on their dial probably doesn't help either.

Deadspin did a list of mentions on ESPN Sportscenter a couple days ago. Hockey was mentioned for something like 17 minutes total to hockey over 11 days, behind even baseball who's in the middle of their offseason (and before the Fielder signing).

That's issue #1 in my opinion.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:51 AM ET  01.26 by dannylimes

Deadspin did a list of mentions on ESPN Sportscenter a couple days ago. Hockey was mentioned for something like 17 minutes total to hockey over 11 days, behind even baseball who's in the middle of their offseason (and before the Fielder signing).That's issue #1 in my opinion.

Yeah. During the NBA lockout and before NCAA basketball got going in full swing, ESPN used to show tons of hockey highlights. I knew it wouldn't last so I enjoyed while I could.

I can't say this is much of a surprise.

It has for years, and will continue to do so.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:51 AM ET  01.26 by dannylimes

Deadspin did a list of mentions on ESPN Sportscenter a couple days ago. Hockey was mentioned for something like 17 minutes total to hockey over 11 days, behind even baseball who's in the middle of their offseason (and before the Fielder signing).That's issue #1 in my opinion.

I don't know if it's #1, but it vertainly is symptomatic of it. To me, issue #1 is having a Commisoner that has no idea what he has. Hockey has always...ALWAYS...had a very dedicated following. The Poison Dwarf, in his zeal to appeal, has brought it to NASCAR country, etc. This, along with some idiotic (to be kind) rule changes has not only had an opposite result than he was looking for, has also alienated some true fans.Bettman thinks he can turn this into the NFL, or worse, the NBA. It can't, won't and shouldn't happen. The only thing Bettman can and SHOULD learn from the NFL is how to properly control the NHL's image. Focusing on bug hits is okay to a point, but hockey has always had the most team driven way about it, and that should be shown off more.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:14 AM ET  01.26 by Spiny Norman

I don't know if it's #1, but it vertainly is symptomatic of it. To me, issue #1 is having a Commisoner that has no idea what he has. Hockey has always...ALWAYS...had a very dedicated following. The Poison Dwarf, in his zeal to appeal, has brought it to NASCAR country, etc. This, along with some idiotic (to be kind) rule changes has not only had an opposite result than he was looking for, has also alienated some true fans.Bettman thinks he can turn this into the NFL, or worse, the NBA. It can't, won't and shouldn't happen. The only thing Bettman can and SHOULD learn from the NFL is how to properly control the NHL's image. Focusing on bug hits is okay to a point, but hockey has always had the most team driven way about it, and that should be shown off more.

Spiny for commish!

I think a lot of it gets back to ESPN. Maybe the Dwarf could negotiate a 20 game plan for ESPN to give the sport some exposure.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:14 AM ET  01.26 by Spiny Norman

I don't know if it's #1, but it vertainly is symptomatic of it. To me, issue #1 is having a Commisoner that has no idea what he has. Hockey has always...ALWAYS...had a very dedicated following. The Poison Dwarf, in his zeal to appeal, has brought it to NASCAR country, etc. This, along with some idiotic (to be kind) rule changes has not only had an opposite result than he was looking for, has also alienated some true fans.Bettman thinks he can turn this into the NFL, or worse, the NBA. It can't, won't and shouldn't happen. The only thing Bettman can and SHOULD learn from the NFL is how to properly control the NHL's image. Focusing on bug hits is okay to a point, but hockey has always had the most team driven way about it, and that should be shown off more.

Very true.

I am okay with the cult like following.

Do we need to really appeal to the American Corporate Media?

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET  01.26 by NY Rangers

Very true.I am okay with the cult like following.Do we need to really appeal to the American Corporate Media?

The NHL needs a SuperPAC.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:19 AM ET  01.26 by Stranger

Spiny for commish!

Thank you Stranger.
If nominated I will run, if elected I WILL serve (I have offered myself for the gig before!)
For a lot less than Bettman makes and with a trusted cabinet of hockey people...all of the smart ones from these threads

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 09:20 AM ET  01.26 by Burgh-Fan

I think a lot of it gets back to ESPN. Maybe the Dwarf could negotiate a 20 game plan for ESPN to give the sport some exposure.

agree with this... remember when EPSN 2 was basically the NHL Network, non-stop Buccigross and Melrose?
I think ESPN 2 and Fox got stung by the lockout, and they blackballed the NHL for it.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET  01.26 by NY Rangers

Very true.I am okay with the cult like following.Do we need to really appeal to the American Corporate Media?

NO we don't have to bow to Corporate media
The fans are always there, just leave it be.
One of the over-riding societal problems we have now is that everything has to appeal to everybody. It doesn't.

Dear Mr. bettman;
can we have our game back?

Sincerely,

the Fans

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 09:20 AM ET  01.26 by Burgh-Fan

I think a lot of it gets back to ESPN. Maybe the Dwarf could negotiate a 20 game plan for ESPN to give the sport some exposure.

Not a bad idea.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:26 AM ET  01.26 by Spiny Norman

Thank you Stranger.If nominated I will run, if elected I WILL serve (I have offered myself for the gig before!)For a lot less than Bettman makes and with a trusted cabinet of hockey people...all of the smart ones from these threads.

You want to run the league with 4 people???

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 09:33 AM ET  01.26 by Stranger

You want to run the league with 4 people???

Of course, I don't include myself in those 4...

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:14 AM ET  01.26 by Spiny Norman

I don't know if it's #1, but it vertainly is symptomatic of it. To me, issue #1 is having a Commisoner that has no idea what he has. Hockey has always...ALWAYS...had a very dedicated following. The Poison Dwarf, in his zeal to appeal, has brought it to NASCAR country, etc. This, along with some idiotic (to be kind) rule changes has not only had an opposite result than he was looking for, has also alienated some true fans.Bettman thinks he can turn this into the NFL, or worse, the NBA. It can't, won't and shouldn't happen. The only thing Bettman can and SHOULD learn from the NFL is how to properly control the NHL's image. Focusing on bug hits is okay to a point, but hockey has always had the most team driven way about it, and that should be shown off more.

I agree with all of this. But my point wasn't so much about being on SC as it was at least getting a FEW games on ESPN. Heck get a deal where they show the all-Canadian matchups NBCS doesn't want.

QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 09:35 AM ET  01.26 by Stranger

Of course, I don't include myself in those 4...

C'mon!

QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 09:35 AM ET  01.26 by Stranger

Of course, I don't include myself in those 4...

The Philly fans?

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET  01.26 by NY Rangers

Very true.I am okay with the cult like following.Do we need to really appeal to the American Corporate Media?

Agree completely. Let it be what it is-an awesome secret