NBC and the NHL can't get AT&T Sportsnet to sign off on it
FINAL DRAFT “THERE’S NOTHING LIKE PLAYOFF HOCKEY” – NBC SPORTS GROUP TO PRESENT EVERY STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF GAME FOR EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE SEASON
Every first-round Stanley Cup Playoff game will be televised on a national platform.FINAL DRAFT “THERE’S NOTHING LIKE PLAYOFF HOCKEY” – NBC SPORTS GROUP TO PRESENT EVERY STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF GAME FOR EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE SEASON
In order to televise as many as five games on a given day/night, NBC Sports Group will utilize NBC, NBCSN, USA Network, CNBC, and NHL Network to carry first-round games. Local blackouts for games on cable no longer apply (excluding Las Vegas and Pittsburgh), so fans in all markets will have the ability to watch or stream their team on NBC Sports’ national telecasts and digital platforms.
NBCSN will be the primary home of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, offering coverage of one or two games virtually every night of the first round. NBC will present six exclusive first-round broadcasts during the weekends of April 13-14 and April 20-21, including a pair of Saturday primetime broadcasts on Saturday, April 13, and Saturday, April 20, at 8 p.m. ET.
USA Network, CNBC, and NHL Network will also provide live coverage in primetime, airing games on a majority of nights.
No games planned for the GOLF NETWORK
The two primetime on NBC most likely will be Boston and Toronto as was the case last year. NBC once again will throw a bone to their struggling O&O in Boston and HNIC in Canada will get the Leafs in their traditional Saturday slot.