CBC'S HNIC Post-season ratings likely to tumble

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This article says leafs are the reason for cbc's high ratings and without the leafs cbc will loose millions because the other teams are nothing compared to the leafs

I don't know why. I'm a hockey fan, first and formost, and I can't wait for the playoffs. Even without my team in it.

But with the Leafs all but done, the CBC is facing a postseason without its top draw and featuring teams that most viewers know little about. It could be a costly playoff run, especially if the CBC's second biggest draw, the Vancouver Canucks, fail to make it to the slam dance.

Whether or not it makes any sense, the fact is the Leafs drive hockey ratings in this country. CBC's early game, almost exclusively featuring the Leafs, is averaging 1.4 million. That's 450,000 more than the late game.

The Leafs' 10 appearances on TSN have averaged 943,000 viewers, almost double the channel's NHL average of 491,000 this year.

This year's Calgary could be Ottawa, assuming the Senators overcome their dismal playoff history. You might think the CBC would consider giving the Senators a bit more exposure.

It did, by adding five Ottawa games last month, but all of those will be shown only in the team's small region. And despite how meaningless the Leafs' last three appearances on CBC might become, don't expect the network to thrust the Senators into the national spotlight.

``We've looked at that," Lee says. ``We've looked at switching, but when you tell somebody in Saskatchewan they're going to be seeing Buffalo and Toronto and you switch it, you wouldn't believe the complaints we get."

:)

I don't know why. I'm a hockey fan, first and formost, and I can't wait for the playoffs. Even without my team in it.


:clap: :clap: :bow:

talk about stating the obvious.

I know i will be watching regardless but i wont be making time for it as i would be if i was watching the leafs in the playoffs.

I know i will be watching regardless but i wont be making time for it as i would be if i was watching the leafs in the playoffs.

Yup like if I am working or whatever, I wouldn't be worried or anything. However I definitely will be watching depending on who is playing who!

I don't know why. I'm a hockey fan, first and formost, and I can't wait for the playoffs. Even without my team in it.


so true. it doesnt make a difference to me if the leafs are in the playoffs, i'm still dying to see some play off action. its been so long (stupid lockout) who can honestly say that now that the leafs are out they wont be watfching any hockey come post season? :dunno:

it doesnt make any sense

I'll still be watching.

talk about stating the obvious.
it's basically like saying RDS wouldn't get as many viewers if the Habs weren't in the playoffs... so yeah. :\

How about they just throw us into the playoffs for the heck of it?

Come ooooon.

I'm as excited for this playoffs as any other that had the Leafs in it chasing the Cup.

The ratings shouldn't suffer much, any hockey fan should be watching this year's playoffs as they should be amazing!

Maybe people turn CBC off and turn TSN on? Could that be where some viewers go? TSN usually covers the Red Wings series if they aren't playing a CDN team, so I could see how that would affect CBC numbers.

Maybe people turn CBC off and turn TSN on? Could that be where some viewers go? TSN usually covers the Red Wings series if they aren't playing a CDN team, so I could see how that would affect CBC numbers.

yeah that was touched on the article:

While the CBC should be worried about a Leaf-free playoff, TSN and Rogers Sportsnet are probably rubbing their hands in anticipation.

TSN's playoff ratings should rise since it won't have to compete with the Leafs every second night. There might be less interest in watching SportsCentre, but that would be more than offset by bigger hockey audiences.

I'll still be watching the playoffs even if the leafs aren't in it, I'm hoping for a Montreal/Ottawa first round playoff match, that would be exciting

Early last year after lockout was over I heard about the NHL planning on expanding the number of teams in the playoffs from 16 to 20. They didn't do that this year but are they still planning on considering it for next season?

The Jays will use three analysts this season now that Tom Candiotti is working for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pat Tabler will do 85 games, Rance Mulliniks 39 and Darrin Fletcher 21.

This is the biggest news in that article!

I'm pumped for these playoffs . . they start right after my exams finish.

My Calgary Flames should hopefully be making some noise again this year ..

My Calgary Flames should hopefully be making some noise again this year ..

Looking forward to Iginla stepping it up . .

Hopefully the Flames meet the Oilers in the playoffs. That would be an INTENSE series.

Looking forward to Iginla stepping it up . .

Hopefully the Flames meet the Oilers in the playoffs. That would be an INTENSE series.

Oilers better watch out for McCauley and the Sharks or the only INTENSE series they may have is a golf series with our Leafs ..

Oilers better watch out for McCauley and the Sharks or the only INTENSE series they may have is a golf series with our Leafs ..


..and Jason Smith will outgolf our team and prove once again what an assanine move it was to trade him. :sarcasm:

..and Jason Smith will outgolf our team and prove once again what an assanine move it was to trade him. :sarcasm:

I am actually cheering for Bertuzzi to be the one golfing early ..

I said McCauley because he is my fav NHL player and like the Sharks as well .. I wasn't actully implying anything more by my post other then to suggest the Sharks are close to Van and EDM for that last playoff spot ..

I am actually cheering for Bertuzzi to be the one golfing early ..

I said McCauley because he is my fav NHL player and like the Sharks as well .. I wasn't actully implying anything more by my post other then to suggest the Sharks are close to Van and EDM for that last playoff spot ..


:) I know man, it was my own disdain for Quinn coming out on the Smith comment. The West looks really interesting this year, if the Sharks can get into the 8th spot it will mean they had a hot streak to end the season, and if the Sharks are hot they better batten down the hatches in Detroit.

:) I know man, it was my own disdain for Quinn coming out on the Smith comment.

Pardon me .. My appologies .. Carry on ..

I will never interrupt a man unloading on Quinn intentionally .. ;)

The West looks really interesting this year, if the Sharks can get into the 8th spot it will mean they had a hot streak to end the season, and if the Sharks are hot they better batten down the hatches in Detroit.

I agree if the Sharks get in .. They could really be tough to get out ..

we should get first pick in the draft and make sure we dont miss out again :sarcasm:

"...But with the Leafs all but done, the CBC is facing a postseason without its top draw and featuring teams that most viewers know little about...."

Here's something to think about: Maybe if the CBC had made an effort to show more of those "other" teams that most viewers "know little about" (I guess they must live in a cave when they're not watching the Leafs) they wouldn't have such a big problem. You know that old saying: If you put all your eggs in one basket and the eggs crack, well ... not sure where I'm going with this but you get the idea - it's becomes a sticky gooey mess that you want to avoid at all costs!!!! :teach:

Hockey Night in Canada is done like dinner without the leafs and they know it.

"...But with the Leafs all but done, the CBC is facing a postseason without its top draw and featuring teams that most viewers know little about...."

Here's something to think about: Maybe if the CBC had made an effort to show more of those "other" teams that most viewers "know little about" (I guess they must live in a cave when they're not watching the Leafs) they wouldn't have such a big problem. You know that old saying: If you put all your eggs in one basket and the eggs crack, well ... not sure where I'm going with this but you get the idea - it's becomes a sticky gooey mess that you want to avoid at all costs!!!! :teach:

It did, by adding five Ottawa games last month, but all of those will be shown only in the team's small region. And despite how meaningless the Leafs' last three appearances on CBC might become, don't expect the network to thrust the Senators into the national spotlight.

``We've looked at that," Lee says. ``We've looked at switching, but when you tell somebody in Saskatchewan they're going to be seeing Buffalo and Toronto and you switch it, you wouldn't believe the complaints we get."

Best case scenario for the CBC is to have an Ottawa/Montreal and Calgary/Vancouver or Edmonton match up in the first round, thereby ensuring at least one Canadian team from each conference advances to a second round.

We've looked at switching, but when you tell somebody in Saskatchewan they're going to be seeing Buffalo and Toronto and you switch it, you wouldn't believe the complaints we get

It'll be interesting to see what happens next season, particularly if a different Canadian team makes it relatively far in the playoffs.

HNIC has to consider the fact that the Leafs may not make the playoffs next year, let alone this year, and providing more national coverage of all 6 teams throughout next year's season may be a way to hedge their bets against that eventuality.

Obviously it's too late to switch things around this year, as alluded to in the quote.

"We've looked at switching, but when you tell somebody in Saskatchewan they're going to be seeing Buffalo and Toronto and you switch it, you wouldn't believe the complaints we get."

Duh... it's human nature to make the effort to call to complain, but not to praise. Of course the die-hard Leafs fans will call to complain because they don't know any better. ;)

Why do you think they added 5 more Ottawa games? Complaints maybe?

It'll be interesting to see what happens next season, particularly if a different Canadian team makes it relatively far in the playoffs.

HNIC has to consider the fact that the Leafs may not make the playoffs next year, let alone this year, and providing more national coverage of all 6 teams throughout next year's season may be a way to hedge their bets against that eventuality.

Obviously it's too late to switch things around this year, as alluded to in the quote.

I personally don't have a problem if CBC shows Ottawa nationally @ 7 next season, because I live in the GTA, I would still be able to watch them. I would feel sorry though for the other fans that won't be able to see the Leafs every Saturday night.

I wonder though, if MLSE would take some sort of action, if it does happen, because I don't think they would be too happy about it.

I personally don't have a problem if CBC shows Ottawa nationally @ 7 next season, because I live in the GTA, I would still be able to watch them. I would feel sorry though for the other fans that won't be able to see the Leafs every Saturday night.

I wonder though, if MLSE would take some sort of action, if it does happen, because I don't think they would be too happy about it.
the ****in day cbc shows those ******** sen games instead of the leafs on hockey night in canada the ****in day

and you know if they would switch, i hope everyone has leafs tv cuz you will be paying extra to watch your leafs b/c the MLSE just wants money and will screw everyone over..
:madfire: :madfire: :madfire:

I hate to bring common sense into play here but remember when the leafs lost early in the playoffs almost every year for the last hundred seasons or so? Well the playoffs ratings on cbc were always fantastic then too. Why would the ratings suffer because one city will be deprived of their usual single series of disappointment?

To think their ratings will suffer because the leafs aren't in the playoffs is extreme arrogance and ignorance.

I hate to bring common sense into play here but remember when the leafs lost early in the playoffs almost every year for the last hundred seasons or so? Well the playoffs ratings on cbc were always fantastic then too. Why would the ratings suffer because one city will be deprived of their usual single series of disappointment?

To think their ratings will suffer because the leafs aren't in the playoffs is extreme arrogance and ignorance.

Historically, the Leafs have had a big impact on ratings.

In 2003, the third round of the playoffs -- without the Leafs -- drew only half the television audience of the previous year when the Leafs played.
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=a10b0493-4737-4c5d-988e-076e06a6f552&k=29068

The good news for the CBC is that this year's playoff average of 1.593 million ranks fourth best in the past 10 years. The bad news is that the ratings were down from last year in every round: 11 per cent in the first round, 14 per cent in the second, 39 per cent in the third and 13 per cent in the final. (The 2002 ratings were the best in 10 years.)
http://www.friends.ca/News/Friends_News/archives/articles06110304.asp

2002 ratings being the best in 10 years? hmmm, i wonder why?

admit it or not, the leafs do *have* an impact on the ratings, whether big or small, they have an impact

2002 ratings being the best in 10 years? hmmm, i wonder why?
There were four Canadian teams in the playoffs in 2002 and three of them made the second round. Plus, the Montreal/Carolina and Toronto/Ottawa series were scheduled on opposite nights except for one game. Of course the ratings were going to be high that year, it was a great setup for CBC to have all three eastern markets in play at that stage.

This is like the little kid crying to mom because the big brother wont take the little brother with him... So mom comes and tell's big brother to take little brother with him because it's not fair lol...

We need the ratings :sarcasm:

Obviously most people on here are of the opinion that they'll watch no matter what. But I think we're the exception and not the norm I'm sorry to say (although it should be obvious).

Here, for the most part, we're hockey fans. Unfortunately for CBC, the majority of their Leaf game viewers are Leaf fans, and at best, casual hockey fans.

I know that I'll be watching the majority of the playoffs (particularly the other Canadian teams) no matter who's playing, and I never miss any of the SCF's. I'm sure that most here are of the same mindset. But outside of the smaller percentage of us, the majority will tune out and only watch if there's nothing else on the tube.

I hate to bring common sense into play here but remember when the leafs lost early in the playoffs almost every year for the last hundred seasons or so? Well the playoffs ratings on cbc were always fantastic then too. Why would the ratings suffer because one city will be deprived of their usual single series of disappointment?

To think their ratings will suffer because the leafs aren't in the playoffs is extreme arrogance and ignorance.
No, it's a fact.

BTW, the Leafs have lost in the first round once in the last six years.

Arrogance and ignorance, indeed.

To think their ratings will suffer because the leafs aren't in the playoffs is extreme arrogance and ignorance.

You tell them! The argument that losing, by far, the biggest hockey market in terms of viewership could have a negative impact on ratings is ASININE.

Thank you for your logical reasoning.

That article basically means that the number of fans a team has doesn't reflect it's quality on the ice. As for the CBC... Who cares?

I hate to bring common sense into play here but remember when the leafs lost early in the playoffs almost every year for the last hundred seasons or so? Well the playoffs ratings on cbc were always fantastic then too. Why would the ratings suffer because one city will be deprived of their usual single series of disappointment?

To think their ratings will suffer because the leafs aren't in the playoffs is extreme arrogance and ignorance.

You sure do....

I agree if the Sharks get in .. They could really be tough to get out ..

They have played like **** in Detroit this year. If they do get into the 8th spot (which they probably will), then they better learn to win in Detroit cause it won't be an easy series.

First : I'M an Hab fan, but this isn't the point of my post.

Second : You're Leafs fans, and this isn't the point of my post, either.

Third : First and second point means we have something in common : we're hockey fans, not CBC or HNIC fans. If it was Rugby Night in Canada or Polo Night In Canada we probably wouldn't give a damn about what CBC would be broadcasting on saturday night.

So why all the fuss about HNIC/CBC going bankrupt if X team doesn't make the playoffs?!? They won't raise our taxes because of this, and, sadly, won't cut Cherry's salary by 30% if the ratings go down by 30%. Sure, it's a sad things for you all to see your team miss the playoffs -- much more sad than having your broadcaster lose money if this happens.

I could say the same thing for RDS if the Habs would miss the playoffs.

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This article says leafs are the reason for cbc's high ratings and without the leafs cbc will loose millions because the other teams are nothing compared to the leafs

I will play somewhat nicely--this rant is not aimed at the leaf fans--but the media of TO

but

It is just certain people's egos that believe that without the leafs in the playoffs
no one would watch. It is more or less saying that leaf fans are not TRUE HOCKEY fans and will not watch hockey when the leafs are not playing.

In the regular season it is true that when the leafs are on the ratings are higher.

When was the last time the leafs where in the cup final? When was the last time the leafs were in the conference final?

If the leafs were cup contenders every year in the playoffs(going deep and not just 1 or 2 rounds) the writer would have a foundation to builf an opinion from.

I think it is just the Toronto media's way of trying to make itself the center of the universe again---reading the article it is one the articles that people in Canada who do not live near the big smoke tend to get mad at.

rant over

I will play somewhat nicely--this rant is not aimed at the leaf fans--but the media of TO

but

It is just certain people's egos that believe that without the leafs in the playoffs
no one would watch. It is more or less saying that leaf fans are not TRUE HOCKEY fans and will not watch hockey when the leafs are not playing.

In the regular season it is true that when the leafs are on the ratings are higher.

When was the last time the leafs where in the cup final? When was the last time the leafs were in the conference final?

If the leafs were cup contenders every year in the playoffs(going deep and not just 1 or 2 rounds) the writer would have a foundation to builf an opinion from.

I think it is just the Toronto media's way of trying to make itself the center of the universe again---reading the article it is one the articles that people in Canada who do not live near the big smoke tend to get mad at.

rant over

Oh, that Toronto media! Bunch of scallywags, aren't they? :shakehead

I'll watch the playoffs with some enthusiasm, especially to watch Ottawa lose. If they make it to the final, I'm declaring Toronto an independent Republic and forming a citizen's army.

It is just certain people's egos that believe that without the leafs in the playoffs
no one would watch.

I really don't get why this is hard to accept. It's not that "no one" would watch, it's that a large proportion of Leaf fans will not watch (every big fanbase is dominated by casual fans), and there are SO many casual Leaf fans that the ratings will be a visible drop. Nothing more nothing less.

It is not arrogance, it is not, "The world is centered around us", it is reality.

They have played like **** in Detroit this year. If they do get into the 8th spot (which they probably will), then they better learn to win in Detroit cause it won't be an easy series.

The CBC may take a further beating ..

Those canucks are hanging by a thread to a playoff spot now to the fast charging Sharks ..

Van has 87 points with 5 games to go ..
SJ has 85 points with 8 gamses to go .. 3 games in hand on the Nucks :handclap:
even
LA has 85 points with a game in hand ..

Once the sharks are in then we can worry about how they are going to win in Detroit .. but the standings are close enough that sharks could finish 7th and avoid a 1st round match-up

Moral of the Story is Bertuzzi Karma took the nucks out last hockey season early and now the playoff season may even be shorter for the Canucks ..

NHL projected the Salary Cap going up next year as high as $46 mil perhaps ..

With the Leafs missing the playoffs league wide revenue will suffer and the cap might now be less then projected do to the loss of the NHL's Flagship team absence .. :)

The best thing that could have happened from the leafs perspective was for the cap to fall. This would have forced the teams near the cap with alot of contracts to dump players that would have forced down the price of UFA's. The leafs with few contracts large amount of free cash to spend would have been beneficiaries.

With the cap going up those teams near the cap with contracts will be in no such bind. And in fact will have cash to spend.

The leaf managment UFA strategy in the Cap world reminds me of the sprinter who tripped over his shoelaces at the gun in the 100 metre dash and fell flat on his face.

Good long-term teams are built rather then bought .. Its in the PLAN ..

UFA season is not designed for lots of major holes to be filled or hoping you have an advantage over your competition because of $$$ ..

Leafs have to learn to be competitive against its opposition without needing an added advantage within the same CBA designed for level the playing surface for fairness..

The Leaf management UFA strategy in the OLD CBA world reminds me of a poker game, where before the game begins and the cards are even dealt out, the Leafs are already holding a pair of Aces to start. Then very proud and brag of their success because of it.

Good long-term teams are built rather then bought .. Its in the PLAN ..

UFA season is not designed for lots of major holes to be filled or hoping you have an advantage over your competition because of $$$ ..

Leafs have to learn to be competitive against its opposition without needing an added advantage within the same CBA designed for level the playing surface for fairness..

The Leaf management UFA strategy in the OLD CBA world reminds me of a poker game, where before the game begins and the cards are even dealt out, the Leafs are already holding a pair of Aces to start. Then very proud and brag of their success because of it.

Hear hear!

The Leaf management UFA strategy in the OLD CBA world reminds me of a poker game, where before the game begins and the cards are even dealt out, the Leafs are already holding a pair of Aces to start. Then very proud and brag of their success because of it.

And signing O'Neil, Allison and Lindros was like being all-in in the new CBA with a pair of fives...

And signing O'Neil, Allison and Lindros was like being all-in in the new CBA with a pair of fives...

Best the Leafs could do was to Bluff this year in transition from old CBA to new with lots of guaranteed contracts in tow and very little cap room to spend ..

Fergy used his free cap space short term rental players with low base contracts to use up his $ 10 mil total Cap space available to fill out the roster.

That was the hand Fergy was dealt and bluffing and telling Leaf fans to expect more from this team was just a bluff as he was not holding a winning hand .. According to the leaked plan he knew it all along ..

The success of some of Leafs younger players came as a pleasant surprise and made the hand better then expected as at least it allowed for a full house ..

And signing O'Neil, Allison and Lindros was like being all-in in the new CBA with a pair of fives...

IMO if O'Neil, Allison, Lindros, Antropov had all played up to their potential, the leafs would be in the playoffs.

that's two 100pt players, one big young talented dude and O'Neil who's a decent to good winger

O'Neil-Sundin-Tucker
Lindros-Allison-Antro

How are those bad lines? lines like that get u in the playoffs... i mean look @ Buffalo...

I think the leafs should concentrate on getting faster (get rid of domi). Tough, feisty and fast. Slow and rough needs to go.

anyways u guyz can still make it, im holding out that you do so that we can face you (habs) in the Eastern finals on our drive for 25.

that's my wod of Encouragement to the Leaf Nation

peace!

:yo:

Oh, that Toronto media! Bunch of scallywags, aren't they? :shakehead

I'll watch the playoffs with some enthusiasm, especially to watch Ottawa lose. If they make it to the final, I'm declaring Toronto an independent Republic and forming a citizen's army.


Most leaf fans I know are hockey fans and love watching good hockey..regardless of who is playing.

With the leafs out--it will force the CBC and TSN to actually talk about other teams and that is something that neither like doing. But, of course Don Cherry will still talk about the leafs every chance he gets