The last time the Edmonton Oilers played on NBC in the United States? June, 2006. That’s right, the Oilers haven’t been on the big network in the States for over ten years now. When was the last time the Oilers played on NBC Sports Net? Trick question, the answer is never. The Oilers haven’t played on the network since it was re-branded.
In fact, since the 2005-06 season, when NBC took over, the Oilers have only been scheduled to play on National TV in the States TWICE during the regular season. One of those times was during the 2007-08 season when Edmonton hosted San Jose. The second? Last season, when Edmonton visited Buffalo. As you know, however, that Oilers/Sabres game was taken off the air in favor of a makeup date between the Capitals and Penguins.
This year will be no different. For the twelfth year in a row, the Oilers were not slated to be on NBC during the regular season, and for the ninth consecutive year they will not appear on TV in the States.
Normally, that would be understandable. The Oilers have missed the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons and have been one of the worst teams in sports during that stretch. Two things make the omission absolutely baffling this time around.
The Great Outdoors:
NBC has carried every single outdoor game live since the first Winter Classic on New Year’s Day 2008. That will change this year as the Heritage Classic between Edmonton and Winnipeg will not be shown nationally in the United States.
There is a common excuse that the NFL is playing that same afternoon. I understand that, there is no way that the Oilers/Jets will get better numbers than the Patriots Vs. Steelers, which is the national 4:25 pm est game that Sunday. In fact, the Heritage Classic will not even come close.
That said, does anyone think the rerun of NASCAR qualifying or Charlie Moore Outdoors will do any better in this time slot? If you answered that question with a ‘yes’, then here is me laughing at you. How difficult is it for NBC to pull a simulcast of Sportsnet’s coverage and throw it on NBCSN? Spoiler alert: it isn’t that difficult.
Oh, and NBC will air the Red Wings Vs. Maple Leafs on New Year’s Day, during a full slate of NFL football.
The fact that Edmonton’s turn outdoors gets ignored in the United States is disappointing, but considering the lack of attention the team gets, it’s really not that surprising. For a hockey fan, and Oiler fan, like myself, however, it is very upsetting that this great event won’t be on TV down here. Another missed opportunity it appears.
No Love for McDavid:
Connor McDavid, in his first NHL season, produced like a legit superstar in 2015-16. His points-per-game total was good for third best in the NHL, a truly elite standing. There is no doubt room for him to grow and one suspects that McDavid is better in his second tour of the NHL than his first.
It goes without saying, but McDavid is the NHL’s brightest young star and may well end up being the best player in the league in a few shorts seasons. So, why then is McDavid again ignored on the national scale in the states? NBC, rightfully so, pushes players like Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Claude Giroux on fans. Those guys will all see over ten games on the national networks this season.
McDavid, for the second year in a row, will see none. Why is that? Why is the NHL’s best young star being shutout? Jack Eichel isn’t getting this treatment in Buffalo. Auston Matthews isn’t getting this treatment in Toronto. Why, then, is McDavid getting it in Edmonton?
The NHL is missing a golden opportunity to showcase one of the brightest young stars in the league. No one is saying put the Oilers on 15 times, two or three works just fine, but it is asinine to excluded McDavid completely from the national schedule. He’s a player who can be the face of your league. Hiding him does absolutely nothing for you.
Consider this: the NHL is still a growing league and needs every push it can get. Ignoring a superstar like McDavid and not showcasing him is not helping the NHL build the brand. Why is McDavid V. Eichel not on the NBC networks at least once this season? That screams missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts:
It’s disappointing and aggravating that the Oilers are, again, shut out in the States. It seems like NBC is more focused on throwing the Blackhawks and Flyers on TV every other night than anything else. The missed opportunity to showcase McDavid a few times a season is truly a shame and I hope NBC reconsiders this moving forward. Why hide such a great player?
Eventually, the Oilers will make their way back to US TV airwaves. That time is not now unfortunately, and I think it’s a mistake by NBC. Wouldn’t you want to showcase all 30 teams in your league at least once? One would think…..
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