Do you think the NHL can be back to what it use to be...?

Question

in the USA? For me, I'm a Red Wings fan, but I'm sure all true hockey fans can agree with me that I want to see the NHL to be one of the top 3 sports again in the USA. I grew up in metro Detroit and it phases me when I don't see any success at all in most of the country. I remember watching games on ESPN and ABC, and that's what all ESPN would show. Now, it's Nascar, bowling, and even soccer (no offense to soccer)? Nascar has it's own show, like baseball, football, basketball, all under contract with ESPN. Why not hockey? I know with the lockout and all, but come on. If the NHL will make any comeback whatsoever, ESPN will have to bring back hockey. One reason they got rid of it was because bowling beat hockey in ratings, but that was before and after the lockout.

Another thing on Sportscenter yesterday, they talked about the NBA Finals in 3 different segments (and have a special on the NBA rivalry tonight) and 1 hockey segment towards the end that had barely any insight....

Answer 1

it's well on it's way and despite the hatred of some fans about the leauge promoting Sid so much it has helped

Answer 2

As soon as we get Bettman out of here. The two things the U.S. needs to lose - Bettman and Bush. If your from Detroit and read the paper, have you also noticed how Mitch Albom completely blows off the Wings until the playoffs now?

Answer 3

wouldn't count on it..

then again i'm not used to it because hockey is on 24/7 in canada

Answer 4

no because as dedicated as we hockey fans are, there are not as many of us as the basketball, baseball and even *shudder* nascar fans

Answer 5

Not as long as Bettman keeps his job and they keep promoting Steven Crosby the way they do!

Answer 6

Still sore about the whalers moving...espn is in CT.  

Seriously with some exposure and decent coverage on ESPN, people will realize what a great sport hockey is, particularly with this amazing generation of talent.  Ratings have been up this year.  Part of the problem is the small markets in the south keep winning the cup (including the one in my state of NC), so people just care less.  A couple years like this one with big markets and stars will do wonders.

Answer 7

I agree, i hate football and basketball. I think hockey should replace them

Answer 8

Yup, if they'd just leave the rules alone.

But then I live in Canada where hockey is #1 by a large margin. I was in Charlotte, NC. when the 'Canes won the cup and it seems most of the people there didn't seem to understand the significance of what they just won.

Answer 9

i must say that i am not a big hockey fan, but i definitely would watch it over NASCAR, bowling, poker, pool, baseball, and soccer