Why have 2 of the SCF games always been on cable?

[Rafa Nadal]

Just wondering. And this goes back to the ABC days. Games 1 and 2 were on ESPN while the rest of the series was on ABC. Now Games 2 and 3 are on Versus/NBCSN. My question is, why can't all games be on the over-the-air network just like in other sports?

[Crease]

Without seeing the contract itself, I can say with some degree of certainty that it is part of the original TV deal between the broadcaster and the NHL. NBC wants people to subscribe to NBC Sports Network. What better way to do that than to guarantee that the biggest games in the NHL are aired on NBC Sports Network.

[DevilChuk]

I'd venture it's about ratings. Games 4-7 have the chance to be the Cup-winning game so naturally more people tune in.

Dunno how Game 3 fits into things though.

[Kitten Mittons]

Game 1 is exciting, it's the finals, people will tune in! Game 2 and 3 are "meaningless", less people will watch. Game 4-7 are the Cup-winning games so you want everyone to watch it on national TV not cable.

[Rafa Nadal]

Oops, sorry. I meant Games 3 and 4 are on NBCSN. The first 2 games are on NBC.

[Shawa666]

All games are on CBC...

[IU Hawks fan]

Originally Posted by Shawa666

All games are on CBC...

You know that's not what we're discussing, so why bring it up?


Today, it makes sense for NBCU to want games on NBCSN to drive people over there. People who may have not watched a game all season but all of a sudden get interested in the Final will have to scurry to their program guide to figure out where they can find it.

During the ESPN era, only answer I have is ABC didn't think the ratings warranted all the games being there. And that could certainly hold true today.