The ratings through Oct. 19 were up 33% and viewership was up 10%.

Solid gains, even without Versus being shown on Direct TV.

I've said it a few times here before, and I'll say it again.

Hockey is growing in popularity. In my area, hockey isn't very big. But after watching the playoffs last year on NBC, and checking out a few regular season games on Versus, quite a few of my friends have been sold and are now following the sport regularly.

While the NHL may not get as much exposure on Versus as they would on ESPN, I'm pretty happy that I can watch multiple out of market games a week instead of 1 that would be shown on ESPN.

Good things to see. I wonder how they'd be doing if Direct TV and Versus could come to an agreement...

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Wheelhouse

It would be sensible, perhaps, to introduce a Vs2 - Which broadcasts game-replays, and second-venue games simultaneously (on game nights.)

But, I'm not a television or NHL executive...so, what would I know.

Doing back-to-back (west coast, second game) broadcasts would help tremendously, as well...typically they only do that during the playoffs.

If Vs introduced viewers to a "CBC-type" model of Hockey Game-Night, one could hunker down and make an entire evening of it - And THAT would lock in viewership tremendously (allowing advertisers to enjoy a captive audience, and generating a substantially greater revenue stream) - Much like football double-headers draw better advertising, on a Sunday afternoon.

*sigh*

...gotta tell these guys how to do their jobs...?

I wonder if there are any negotiations going on between VS and DirecTV - every time I call and ask, they tell me it could get done at any time.

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"I don't feel like Satan, but I am to them"
Neil Young

Well I watched the end of the Caps/Flyers game yesterday after work. Appreciated the Tyler Myers coverage after the game.

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

I think hockey, more than any other professional sport, is benefiting from the expansion of HDTV. It's a completely different experience seeing it in that format than standard def. You can really see the players, their faces, the movement of the puck, the feel of the game...it's incredible. When Bettman manages to provide HD on cable-based Center Ice he'll see the sport and its ratings grow even more.

Here's a great article on that topic: http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/7 ... ans-to-nhl

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

It's an excellent point.

The most common excuse for years from people who didn't like hockey was "they couldn't see the puck". HD has made the game just LOOK so much better. In a country where people are raised on the NFL and televised sport, it's a big plus to have something more visually appealing.