Let's Do Something About Sportsnet

[RyZ]

Some of the on-air "talent" is cringe worthy (I'm looking at Healy, Cox, Kypreos and McLean) but the production values are there and Strombo hasn't been bad. Overall, if you change the channel during intermissions, it hasn't been bad at all.

[killer_carlson]

I like some NBA broadcasts when they have actual former stars as the commontators, not has been never were back up goalies.

Shaq, Barkley, Webber, Rose, Miller. Guys who have a proven track record and the credentials to call it like it is.

So let's see Sportsnet put a panel together of:

Forsberg, Brodeur (when he retires), Modano, Jagr, and Kariya to see what happens.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I like some NBA broadcasts when they have actual former stars as the commontators, not has been never were back up goalies.

Shaq, Barkley, Webber, Rose, Miller. Guys who have a proven track record and the credentials to call it like it is.

So let's see Sportsnet put a panel together of:

Forsberg, Brodeur (when he retires), Modano, Jagr, and Kariya to see what happens.

Most former players are incredibly boring and bad at it. We don't have a Shaq in the NHL

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Most former players are incredibly boring and bad at it. We don't have a Shaq in the NHL

Hockey players just don't seem to have the same air on personality as basketball and football players for whatever reason. The only former NHL player that I enjoyed watching as a talking head was JR.

[heep223]

The national broadcast PBP and colour guys are just horrible. I think Romanuk and that ex-player, can't remember who. I was so angry last night, it's like they're not even watching the same game.

Looking forward to listening to Ball and Hrudey more over the next few weeks.

[Geeoff]

Lower quality national broadcasts + higher quality regional broadcasts/82 = better than last year.

[saillias]

Be careful what you wish for, they'll hire back Simmer and Kerr.

[Yoho]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

This will be an unpopular opinion but I actually agree with Healy. Anointing him "Johnny Hockey" already places him on some legendary mantle and I don't blame media types for being a little hesitant to do so.

I think the nickname is actually counterproductive to his development. It places a target on his back - by both players and the media alike. Overcoming his size is enough of an obstacle that IMO this "Johnny Hockey" hoopla is something that's become a distraction.

I disagree, it's both fun and harmless, given to him long before he played on the Flames.

A red flag should be going off in your head any time you agree with Healy.

[codynw]

They should hire Biznasty. I'd love to see him on a panel full time.

[Itse]

I'd just like to say one thing:

This is the time Sportsnet is going to be most interested in fan feedback, because everyone involved will still be in "this is a new thing we're doing" mode for a while.

So while I don't think the broadcasts have been terrible, I do agree with the OP that now is the time to air even small grievances. If you like everything but Healy, go tell Sportsnet that. It only takes a minute, and if enough people agree with you they will get rid of him.

Heck, even if you just have ideas on how they could improve, go tell them that. It does not take long, and might make a difference.

[YYC in LAX]

No real complaints from me. They aren't going to be amazing overnight. Work in progress.

What's up with Gene Principe's gag jokes before the game? Has he always done this? Embarrassingly bad.

[codynw]

Are they still doing After Hours on Saturday nights? I haven't actually watched any of the HNIC games yet this season.

[trublmaker]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

This will be an unpopular opinion but I actually agree with Healy. Anointing him "Johnny Hockey" already places him on some legendary mantle and I don't blame media types for being a little hesitant to do so.

I think the nickname is actually counterproductive to his development. It places a target on his back - by both players and the media alike. Overcoming his size is enough of an obstacle that IMO this "Johnny Hockey" hoopla is something that's become a distraction.

We didn't anoint him "Johnny hockey" he came with the name and healy is an idiot.

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by trublmaker

We didn't anoint him "Johnny hockey" he came with the name and healy is an idiot.

Not disagreeing Healy is an idiot, I just happen to agree with his reluctance to call him Johnny Hockey and the silliness of that nickname sticking with him in the NHL.

[Huntingwhale]

I think the broadcasts have been pretty good. I don't watch the intermissions so if everyone is so riled up about it, it's pretty easy to change the channel or PVR through it like I do.

What happened to the ref's helmet cams? That was so cool....for the first game and now its gone? I'm glad the crowd volume got turned up. Either way I'm just glad I get to watch all 82 games a year and I don't give a crap about intermission or which commentator sucks.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by codynw

Are they still doing After Hours on Saturday nights? I haven't actually watched any of the HNIC games yet this season.

No. There was a short post game show this week where they sat on the red chairs and discussed the games. But no long interview with a player like they used to do it.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

Not disagreeing Healy is an idiot, I just happen to agree with his reluctance to call him Johnny Hockey and the silliness of that nickname sticking with him in the NHL.

Seems like the media uses it more than Flames fans anyways. It's a bigger thing in the US with the Johnny Football tie ins.

[Harry Lime]

Glanced back at this thread this morning, and now I'm trying to put together an NBA style panel for hockey.

JR, Noodles, Biznasty, and Bryzgalov.
The Briz Squared Noodles Jr. Hour. Two intermissions and a 20 minute post game.

That would make the most boring game interesting.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

No. There was a short post game show this week where they sat on the red chairs and discussed the games. But no long interview with a player like they used to do it.

That really sucks. I loved watching those.

[sa226]

I think the production value, broadcasts and booth talent is a definite upgrade from the past. But the in house analysts have been a carry over from the original Sportsnet. Except for Friedman.