Versus Frustrates Me

Last year the NHL on Versus decided to shut the Kings out from any type of national coverage, and once again, they decided to keep it as minimal as possible for this So Cal team. Hey, I love minimalism and everything, but only for my living spaces and furniture within. When it comes to hockey, I want more Kings exposure during more hours of the day.

For the 09-10 season, Versus decided showing one game involving the Kings was enough, but it's blatantly obvious as to why this game was chosen. If it's not obvious, then you need to open your eyes or just have me spell it out for you. This one Kings game was chosen because it was against the Chicago Blackhawks rather than any sort of potential the Kings merit.

Seriously, folks; what Kings game is going to get the most national draw possible? A game against a team that has been put through the hype ringer and drawn as thinly as possible. Yes, people can easily just get the Center Ice package to watch all things Kings, but my point here is not that. It's the fact that this team is, once again, attempting to get out of the usually damp and dusty cellar but are being stunted by a league that views this team as the red-headed step child. I really don't think giving them some national coverage it's that difficult. Why can't Versus just show a hockey double header every night of the season? I really don't think that channel is making its money through bull riding. Ultimate fighting, yes; bull riding, no.

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Season’s Greetings

Today is the start of the games in North America for the season. I feel that I will be pretty busy this season since I have my newly minted season tickets, Center Ice queued up, and a new team to follow. This does not mean I will have two teams that I will be following equally; rather, I’ll have a small percentage of my attention focused elsewhere at times. I may do a small blurb here or there concerning this new team if I feel the need arises. What’s the team you ask? Well, a good friend has suggested I start following Canada’s team, a.k.a. his team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. You’re all probably wondering why I’d choose the Leafs as my secondary team out of the 28 other teams available throughout the league since I could easily choose one that will definitely make it to the playoffs. Before you think that that last statement was a knock on my pal; it was, but it was also a knock on myself as well. With both of our teams flirting with the basement (according to every single analyst), I fear that my writing could slowly (or quickly) veer toward the cynical musings of any severely jaded fan. So are you still asking me why the Leafs?

Well, I have my reasonings with a big one being: why the hell not? Don’t worry, this space will remain ever and always devoted first and foremost to my Kings, that sad and sorry lot. This team is what keeps the blood pumping through the life veins of this site. Without them I’d just be another lost soul.

In any case, the first game that I will be watching will start today 4PM PDT on Versus where the Leafs face off against the Detroit Red Wings. There will actually be plenty of players that I will be watching once the Stanley Cup presentation concludes; most notably being Luke Schenn, Vesa Toskala, and... the entire Detroit roster.

For more info on the Versus coverage, you can check it out here and here is their game schedule. The Kings drop the puck on Saturday the 11th at 7PM PDT, so I will be diligently waiting in front of my TV the entire day. If you need to get a hold of me that day, just text. If you don’t have my number, you are SOL.


Also, here is the short clip that the Kings released of the Frozen Fury. I am nowhere in the video, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the clip!

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Thanks, NHL and Versus

The NHL and Versus released the schedule today of what games will be aired on the Bull-riding channel. Puck Daddy does an excellent job of breaking down the schedule in terms of how many times a team is shown for next season. How many of you are surprised that the Kings are shown ZERO TIMES?

No one? That’s what I thought.

I really don’t like to bag on other markets/cities outside of the Pacific Division because I have mad respect for everyone. But Buffalo? 9 times?? REALLY? 7 times for Boston?? St. Louis 5 times???

In the Pacific Division only the Dallas Stars get a bit of love by having 4 games aired nationally. The rest?

San Jose – 3
Phoenix – 1
Anaheim – 1
Los Angeles – 0

Zero. ZERO! Oh my god, really? Look, I’m not whining and complaining about this because I’ll be able to watch almost all of the games myself. What I’m angry about is the fact that the NHL and Versus are essentially telling hockey fans that the Kings, Flames, and Oilers are not relevant. I find it hard to believe that they wouldn’t air ANY games from 2 of the 6 Canadian teams. I know that the eastern teams are the big hockey markets that draw in the biggest numbers, but how does that create exposure for other teams? In a league where certain markets aren’t perceived as being relevant, the NHL and Versus have made it clear that they think so as well.

x-posted on HLOG

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