Versus Frustrates Me

by Connie Kim on Aug 19, 2009 2:04 PM PDT

Last year the NHL on Versus decided to shut the Kings out from any type of national coverage, and once again, they decided to keep it as minimal as possible for this So Cal team. Hey, I love minimalism and everything, but only for my living spaces and furniture within. When it comes to hockey, I want more Kings exposure during more hours of the day.

For the 09-10 season, Versus decided showing one game involving the Kings was enough, but it's blatantly obvious as to why this game was chosen. If it's not obvious, then you need to open your eyes or just have me spell it out for you. This one Kings game was chosen because it was against the Chicago Blackhawks rather than any sort of potential the Kings merit.

Seriously, folks; what Kings game is going to get the most national draw possible? A game against a team that has been put through the hype ringer and drawn as thinly as possible. Yes, people can easily just get the Center Ice package to watch all things Kings, but my point here is not that. It's the fact that this team is, once again, attempting to get out of the usually damp and dusty cellar but are being stunted by a league that views this team as the red-headed step child. I really don't think giving them some national coverage it's that difficult. Why can't Versus just show a hockey double header every night of the season? I really don't think that channel is making its money through bull riding. Ultimate fighting, yes; bull riding, no.

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Hey, its a big gain on none. :) Don't feel too bad, Anaheim and Vancouver combine for Zero this year. Even Phoenix gets one game! Nah, its not right that a potentially much larger market shouldn't be getting their share of games.

Gosh, I'd love to see LA make the playoffs for two seasons in a row and see what happens with their games being shown...

by cobsbread on Aug 20, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions

I should add in Canadaland we also get Montreal at LA on HNIC March 6th, LA at Chicago Nov 9th, LA at Calgary Dec 17th on TSN/TSN2, and all of the Canucks/LA games on regional Sportsnet/Canucks PPV.
I guess thats actually not many games when you consider we get 82 of the Canucks games here (25 National broadcast (HNIC/TSN), 45 regional (Sportsnet) and 12 PPV....

You guys need to raise a ruckus!!!

by cobsbread on Aug 20, 2009 5:04 PM PDT reply actions

Versus is dead to me.

by Brad on Aug 20, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions

cosbread - Well, it's not a problem watching Kings games if you're a real fan (a.k.a get Center Ice). But for the casual fan, it's hard to get the needed exposure.

Canada is all kinds of hooked up!

Brad - You're already sick of looking at Brian Engblom's hairdo for an entire season?

by Connie on Aug 21, 2009 10:08 AM PDT reply actions

Don't feel bad, my Pirates haven't played an MLB game on ESPN in many years now either. I don't think LA is getting shafted for missing the playoffs the last few years, though. Versus seems to focus on the Northeast and Atlantic divisions a lot. I agree, there's no reason Versus shouldn't do a doubleheader every time. I live in Pittsburgh and my friends without Versus actually complain that 8 Pens games will be on and they can't watch. I'm hoping the Kings get a good amount of games on Yahoo again this year. I watched A LOT of games free on sports.yahoo.com last year.

by weberap on Aug 21, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions

Engblom? That can't be his hair. I'm convinced some sort of mullet-shaped animal found its way to the top of his head and died there.

by Brad on Aug 21, 2009 6:57 PM PDT reply actions

wtf is verses. better off not being on that crap as it's not apart of the basic cable package. not that it matters to me as i don't have cable... the tv deals are killing hockey. sigh...

by Robert on Aug 21, 2009 8:44 PM PDT reply actions

You're looking at this all wrong! Last year had ZERO games... this year the Kings get ONE!

Ugh, I cant even fake it. Fail.

by CheapSeats on Aug 22, 2009 6:17 PM PDT reply actions

weberap - The fact that Versus causes a blackout in the local markets where they're broadcasting must be REALLY annoying. At the same time, it means external exposure for the team. I'm getting Center Ice again, no question!

Brad - Amen!

Rob - Speaking of, DirecTV couldn't agree on a deal with Versus, so they're not going to have that channel! WTF.

CheapSeats - No, you're right. One is 100% more than zero.

by Connie on Aug 23, 2009 8:47 AM PDT reply actions