Western Conference Playoffs - Round 2: Flames vs Ducks (Ducks win 4-1)

[azzarish]

One of 2 remaining Canadian teams left in the playoffs and our series won't be on one of the most accessible channels up and down the country. Utterly ridiculous and extremely poor decision.

The entire tradition of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada revolves around the ability of every Canadian being able to watch it. HNIC is woven in to the fabric of this country from young kids to the older generation watching their favourite Canadian team on CBC. Many of these people have never had Sportsnet.....yes they are out there. Sure, your team isn't on every HNIC on Saturday night but this is the playoffs we're talking about, and Montreal aren't in the same time zone as Calgary. Of course, in this day and age you can find ways to watch it but that is beside the point. Any rational person would think that a Canadian team (1 of 2 remaining) would be have their series shown on CBC. Many people won't care because they always had Sportsnet, but spare a thought for those whose only avenue to watch it was on CBC.

[foshizzle11]

This is going to be a fun series and I think it will go longer than many outside of Calgary are predicting. Everyone I have talked to who aren't Flames fans think it will be a sweep or in 5 for the Ducks.

I just don't know what will happen but I have a feeling that they will be able to play with them, we did during the regular season. It can happen again. The only thing that is in my mind is that record at the Honda centre, hopefully we end that curse in game 1, then nobody has to think about it.

Steal one in Anaheim and we are in the drivers seat IMO. I was hoping for a friday night start but this will work too, I thought I would get a longer break from the games but I am excited to start this craziness all over again!!!

GFG.

[RogerWilco]

I guess I need to cheer for Tampa to win tomorrow, I cant go to the game if it is on Wednesday night. Tuesday would be great.

[Mattman]

Flames will win in the Honda centre!

BRINGING THE HEAT 'CAUSE CALIFORNIA AIN'T GOT ANY WATER TO PUT US OUT!

Go Flames Go!

[OzSome]

On the positive note, not having the Flames game on CBC means we won't have to listen to Glen Healy voice and we might get Rick Ball as a PBP because he only does Sportsnet telecast.

[memphusk]

Somebody here should start a petition against Sportsnet due to the terrible broadcasting, and terrible announcers. Sportsnet is slowly ruining many lives.

[TapeToTape]

Originally Posted by memphusk

Somebody here should start a petition against Sportsnet due to the terrible broadcasting, and terrible announcers. Sportsnet is slowly ruining many lives.

Rick Ball and Kelly Hrudey were outstanding this year.

[FlamesAddiction]

No CBC sucks. I was pretty much relying on their stream. I guess I am going to have be an outlaw for the next series. Time to update those internet security programs.

It doesn't make sense to me that CBC wouldn't want it. Could it have something to do with it being a Rogers production now and they want it for their own network instead?

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by memphusk

Somebody here should start a petition against Sportsnet due to the terrible broadcasting, and terrible announcers. Sportsnet is slowly ruining many lives.

At the start of the year, I began a "Let's Do Something About Sportsnet" thread, being quite annoyed at everything from video/audio delay to hack coverage. We talked a fair bit about what was wrong, and how we as viewers could help Sportsnet improve. I think they've improved leaps and bounds since the start of the year. Hrudey and Ball have been excellent throughout.

Obviously the homer Canuck coverage in the last playoff series was annoying, but temporary. I don't anticipate many issues in the next series.

[CroFlames]

Ball & Hrudey are the only positive thing from CBC/Sportsnet.

Friedman too.

Everything else about them is phooey, including Gian Ghomeshi.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Ball & Hrudey are the only positive thing from CBC/Sportsnet.

Friedman too.

Everything else about them is phooey, including Gian Ghomeshi.

???

[ssjshmo]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Ball & Hrudey are the only positive thing from CBC/Sportsnet.

Friedman too.

Everything else about them is phooey, including Gian Ghomeshi.

LOL especially Gian, really like him until the whole scandal became public.

back on topic.
Ball was sent to cover the TB & DET series. Would be nice to have Ball and Hrudey back for PBP. But I think someone else mentioned it will most like be hughson and simpson the rest of the way. They are much better when the Nucks aren't involved

[Heavy Jack]

I like Kypreos too but have a hard time standing Strombo, just don't like him in that spot. I would have liked Ron to take that spot and Coaches Corner retired.

As for the non-cbc/HNIC part of sportsnet there was a lot to like with our tandem in Ball/Hrudey, best tandem in years for Flames fans.

[Street Pharmacist]

Love the pre and post game talks and George in particular is great at leading discussions

[dammage79]

Hope the Flames are ready for bad ice and bouncy pucks. Duck ice is bad to begin with. Playoff ice is going to be worse.

[sadora]

So psyched for this series. Yes, the Ducks are a strong team but these young Flames should never be counted out. I think this will be a great series that our Flames take in 6 games.

Will be smoking some duck for Thursday. I'll post some pics and have the recipe available for anyone who wants it.

Go Flames Go!!!!!

[GeoRock]

Originally Posted by memphusk

Somebody here should start a petition against Sportsnet due to the terrible broadcasting, and terrible announcers. Sportsnet is slowly ruining many lives.

In the past I would agree with you. This year has been a different story IMO. The sportsnet game broadcast itself is pretty poor, bad audio and picture compared to CBC. But I think Rick Ball and Kelly Hrudey are fantastic. Kelly is always quick to praise the opposing team and he highlights guys that are doing well without going over the top. Compare with Hughson and the Eddy Lack's dad thing (which drove us nuts), or how 'Sam Bennett is only 18' (which drove Canucks fans nuts). Too much.

If Ball and Hrudey are calling this game that would be fantastic! Plus I would like to see Leah Hextall back on the desk. She's not bad to look at and keeps the rest of the guys on the desk in line.

[ssjshmo]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Hope the Flames are ready for bad ice and bouncy pucks. Duck ice is bad to begin with. Playoff ice is going to be worse.

Especially on Game 2 since New Kids on The Block will be in Honda Centre Saturday

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by azzarish

One of 2 remaining Canadian teams left in the playoffs and our series won't be on one of the most accessible channels up and down the country. Utterly ridiculous and extremely poor decision.

The entire tradition of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada revolves around the ability of every Canadian being able to watch it. HNIC is woven in to the fabric of this country from young kids to the older generation watching their favourite Canadian team on CBC. Many of these people have never had Sportsnet.....yes they are out there. Sure, your team isn't on every HNIC on Saturday night but this is the playoffs we're talking about, and Montreal aren't in the same time zone as Calgary. Of course, in this day and age you can find ways to watch it but that is beside the point. Any rational person would think that a Canadian team (1 of 2 remaining) would be have their series shown on CBC. Many people won't care because they always had Sportsnet, but spare a thought for those whose only avenue to watch it was on CBC.

Game times are going to be a big contributor to this. For most of the viewing public in Canada, this game is not going to be in prime time, so that's likely why they made their choice.

Also, you make it sound like you don't have an option to buy Sportsnet or one of the other means of getting this game. You can add one of those services today if you like, so if you really want to see the game, why not add it. If you truly can't afford to pay for it, go to a bar and order a $5 beer and sit there and watch it.

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by TapeToTape

Rick Ball and Kelly Hrudey were outstanding this year.

Yes they were good. Everything else about Sportsnet is no good.