The St. Louis Blues are getting some national attention. Is that really a good thing though?
NBC and NBCSN announced their 2016-17 television slate, which was released by the St. Louis Blues, and it will feature the Blues 12 times. There are definitely positives and negatives to that decision though.
Blues’ National Television Schedule
Oct. 12 at Chicago Blackhawks – NBCSN
Nov. 9 vs. Chicago Blackhawks – NBCSN
Nov. 22 at Boston Bruins – NBCSN
Dec. 28 vs. Philadelphia Flyers – NBCSN
Jan. 2 vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Winter Classic – NBC
Jan. 10 vs. Boston Bruins – NBCSN
Jan. 24 at Pittsburgh Penguins – NBCSN
Jan. 26 at Minnesota Wild – NBCSN
Feb. 6 at Philadelphia Flyers – NBCSN
Feb. 15 at Detroit Red Wings – NBCSN
Feb. 26 at Chicago Blackhawks – NBCSN
March 5 at Colorado Avalanche – NBCSN
On the negative side, four of the Blues’ 12 appearances are against the Chicago Blackhawks. Most of the time it’s fun to poke at the bear and talk smack about the Blackhawks or NBC’s coverage. It can’t be denied that the network has a slant toward Chicago though.
Everyone, with the exception of Mike Emerick, seems to grovel at the feet of Chicago anytime they are on the NBC networks. It’s understandable to a point. It’s one of the largest markets in the country and has a passionate hockey fanbase.
However, it makes watching those particular games much less enjoyable. Even when the Blues win, it feels like they are covering a funeral. Most networks, and their announcers by proxy, are accused of wanting the upset. NBC seems to be against anyone but Chicago winning.
Of course, we Blues fans will just be accused of being whiny babies. Too sad about not winning a Cup etc and so on and other such tripe. We aren’t the only fanbase that notices this though, so there is definitely some truth to it.
The Blues open up the season and NBC’s coverage with a game in Chicago on October 12. Fun times, filled with Pierre McGuire coming up with all sorts of stories about people nobody has even heard of even in their families impacting how great Chicago will be this season. Then it’s more Chicago love come November.
NBC took both games of the Blues vs. the Boston Bruins. So, there will be no heartwarming video package about David Backes’ time with the Blues seen by anyone but those in the arena. No stories from Panger. Just more from McGuire about how Backes’ fourth grade teacher had an influence on him deciding to sign with Boston.
NBC chose both games with the Blues against the Philadelphia Flyers as well. They’re also covering a game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings.
No Wednesday Night Rivalry game against Nashville (perhaps there were none). Nothing with Dallas. No games against the Kings.
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On the one hand, I understand their choices. They want Chicago for the eyeballs on the set. They want eastern teams because of the market sizes and it means less travel for their main crew. They want the Detroit game because there’s still enough fans that remember the rivalry. Still, it seems like typical NBC coverage that will favor everyone on the other side.
On a more anecdotal note, the Blues seem to have some of their worst games on national television as well. I haven’t kept hard data on this, and a lot of it had to do with the Blues being mediocre/good going against the Blackhawks who were good/great, but it seemed like the Blues always saved some of their worst performances for when the largest audience was available.
On the positive side, for those that live outside of the St. Louis market, those games become increasingly easier to watch. Unless you pay for NHL’s game package, you can only watch the team in your area (if there is one) and the nationally televised games.
Just the other day, I wrote a piece about keeping the fans won in Canada on board. While these games won’t necessarily be shown up there, although some cities do get American stations, it still spreads out the brand for the Blues.
Being able to stream those games give people more access. It makes people more aware of our own stars.
While we may not personally like the way the broadcasters or network choose to cover the game, it does show that the network and the league are interested in our team. It’s not like the Sacramento Kings, who whether they are good or bad, get little coverage because the league cares little for them.
According to the Blues’ press release, last season was the most watched since 1993-94. More eyes on Blues games can’t be a bad thing if they play up to their capabilities.
The Blues have forced the hand here by being one of the consistent contenders over the past few seasons, even if there has been some postseason heartbreak.
The Blues are also going to be in the 2017 Winter Classic. While it’s on NBC, they usually do a fantastic job of covering the event.
Next: Wayne Gretzky Leaving The Blues Stings 20 Years Later
As with everything, there are many ways to look at these things. You’re getting national attention from a network that has been good for the league in terms of the amount of focus they are willing to put in the sport. You’re getting the chance to draw in new fans as well. It just stinks that the slant seems so heavy against the Blues.
Such is life.