Is the NHL finally realizing they have a big money-maker in the Red Wings that they aren’t using nearly as much as they could on the national stage?
This could be the case considering for the 2011-12 season, the Wings have a league high 17 nationally televised games. This includes a November 25th after Thanksgiving game in Boston to take on the Stanley Cup champs.
I guess the only downside is the torture of having to stomach the NBC and Versus announcers 17 times out of the year.
Here is the rundown of the nationally televised games for the Wings…
Nov. 30 vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. (Versus)
Jan. 8 at Chicago, 7:30 (Versus)
Jan. 14 vs. Chicago, 12:30 (NBC)
Jan. 25 at Montreal, 7:30 (Versus)
Feb. 6 at Phoenix, 8 p.m. (Versus)
Feb. 12 vs. Philadelphia, TBD (NBC or Versus)
Feb. 19 vs. San Jose, 12:30 (NBC)
Mar. 21 at N.Y. Rangers, 7:30 (Versus)
Mar. 28 at Columbus, 7:30 (Versus)
Apr. 4 at St. Louis, 7:30 (Versus)
Apr. 7 vs. Chicago, TBD (NBC or Versus)
In addition, these five non-exclusive games will be on Versus but also available on Fox Sports Detroit:
Dec. 6 at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Nashville, 8 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 23 vs. St. Louis, 7:30
Feb. 21 at Chicago, 8:30
FSD has yet to announce their television schedule.
It may also be important to note that only the Rangers and Boston have as many nationally televised games as the Wings at 17. But it may not be that important considering we’re talking about the Rangers who really haven’t done anything substantial since 1994 and the Bruins who I get the sneaking suspicion will be a first round flame-out this upcoming season.
Source: Grand Rapids Press