The Athletic: The 2021 NHL broadcast rankings: The best and worst markets to watch th

[Erick Estrada]

https://theathletic.com/2746567/2021...tch-the-games/

I expected the Flames to be higher than 25th but they finished lowest of the Canadian teams. It appears Eric Francis brought the ranking down.

24. Calgary Flames
The broadcast: Sportsnet carries Flames games, with Rick Ball on play-by-play and Kelly Hrudey and Cassie Campbell-Pascall rotating on color.

Local ranking: 25 National: 25 Last season: 25

The result: Calgary’s broadcast received equally underwhelming marks both in and outside of the market for a variety of reasons.

The strongest criticism was directed at Eric Francis, who was mentioned in nearly every comment that came attached with a below-average grade.

“I like Ryan Leslie and many of the talking heads employed by Sportsnet, but I cannot stand Eric Francis,” said one Flames fan.

A common theme in the feedback outside of the local market was that the broadcast is prone to a lack of enthusiasm which can lead to a dry product.

“Their PBP isn’t too bad, but the other broadcasters vary from being too boring to too homer,” read one out of market ballot.

“Calgary’s broadcast needs 100 times more energy,” added another.

The intermission panel guests are typically ex-players like Cory Sarich, Brendan Morrison, Troy Brouwer and Matt Stajan, all of whom fans seemed to respect but felt lacked polish and experience with their on-air delivery.

Elsewhere, the color commentary was polarizing with most having a love or hate relationship with the rotating duo of Hrudey and Campbell-Pascall. The common complaint among those who weren’t as fond of them was that they describe what already happened in front of viewers’ eyes rather than explaining why the play unfolded the way it did or how a breakdown happened — that the analysis wasn’t insightful enough.

The one silver lining in all of this is how many fans supported the professionalism of Ball’s play-by-play and Leslie’s work as an in-game host.

The bottom line: A broadcast lacking energy with polarizing figures outside of the play-by-play and host.

The other Canadian teams:

22. Leafs
16. Oilers
15. Senators
14. Canadiens
12. Jets
7. Canucks

[InternationalVillager]

Who was 1st?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Oilers 16?

I don’t think so

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by InternationalVillager

Who was 1st?

Islanders.

[Monahammer]

Controversial, but I actually really like Hrudey and Campbell-Pascall. I think Cassie gets a lot of unnecessary flack but has really started to come into her own, and I've always been a Hrudey fan. Also a cool guy to meet in person. + having a Canadian legend and women's hockey icon as part of the team sends a fantastic message.

Eric Francis, is no doubt a huge detractor. Leslie is fine but I think needs to get out on his own more. And by god make sure he stays away from the Gene path.

I also agree that our mid show panel guests need much more pizzaz. I personally never want to see Brouwer on my TV ever again. Sarich is me favourite of the bunch but I think needs to lighten up more. Not sure how to fix this one, maybe some older players in the Calgary area would be better suited?

[chummer]

Ball and Leslie were recognized for their outstanding work.

Jack Michaels with high praise on the Oilers broadcast.
At least they recognized that Kevin Quinn is no good.

[Toonage]

Cassie does get a lot of flack but clearly is doing something right as they gave her a gig in the states.

As for a panel I have a novel idea. No former players. Canucks broadcast were like this (unsure if they still are) where it was newspaper or TV reporters discussing the team and the league. That might be the way to go in Calgary. Haynes, Duhatschek, Pike, maybe some folks outside the province via Zoom.

[FlamesAddiction]

I like Hrudey and think he has a very likable personality. The problem is that bot he and Campbell are extremely technical. Hrudey has some interesting stories and conjecture, but that they could use someone a little more colorful.

[D as in David]

How did they rate Principe?

[Cali Panthers Fan]

That's a pretty accurate assessment in the OP.

Ball and Leslie are gold. The color is weak and/or bland. The panel guests are known to the fans, but don't add anything of value to the broadcast. And...Eric Francis sucks.

Nothing that we didn't already know.

[neo45]

For the rotating panel Sarich and Versteeg are the best IMO

Thought Cassie was gone this year? Happy with Rick and Kelly they have great chemistry and Rick Ball might be the most underrated broadcaster in hockey

Everyone likes Leslie

[Azhouse]

Campbell-Pascal should be on Oilers broadcasts. Her love of the Connor knows no bounds.

[BeltlineFan]

Originally Posted by D as in David

How did they rate Principe?

Michaels, DeBrusk and in-game host Gene Principe are all well regarded...

That's the only mention of him.

[DJones]

Ya can't say they are wrong.

I like Ball, Leslie, and Hrudey. Francis and Campbell are annoying.

+1 for more Sarich and Versteeg.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

This is a perfect description.

Elsewhere, the color commentary was polarizing with most having a love or hate relationship with the rotating duo of Hrudey and Campbell-Pascall. The common complaint among those who weren’t as fond of them was that they describe what already happened in front of viewers’ eyes rather than explaining why the play unfolded the way it did or how a breakdown happened — that the analysis wasn’t insightful enough.

The one silver lining in all of this is how many fans supported the professionalism of Ball’s play-by-play and Leslie’s work as an in-game host.

Ball good, Hrudey / Cassie mediocre but not awful.

I think the most important part is the play by play guy so I don't agree with the broadcast being ranked this low simply because I think the play by play is in the top half of the league and arguably top ten. But they're right in the description.

[Macman]

Originally Posted by D as in David

How did they rate Principe?

Principe is actually a good interviewer if he would only drop the ridiculous puns and maybe get a better haircut. I won't watch an Oilers telecast knowing I may see him, you can't change the channel quick enough.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by D as in David

How did they rate Principe?

He was rated Best in Show 2 years running.

[Macman]

I like Cassie though and don't get the dislike people have for her.

Hrudey is good on the panel but just okay as colour guy in my view. Him and Ball banter on way too much sometimes while the play is happening like a couple guys at the bar which I find irritating.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Macman

Principe is actually a good interviewer if he would only drop the ridiculous puns and maybe get a better haircut. I won't watch an Oilers telecast knowing I may see him, you can't change the channel quick enough.

Is he really a good interviewer? All he does is ask opposing players what it's like to share the ice with Conner the great.

[Macman]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Is he really a good interviewer? All he does is ask opposing players what it's like to share the ice with Conner the great.

Fair point, he does do that quite a bit.