It’s not the matchup hockey prognosticators pegged when the playoffs began, but it could not have turned out any better for the National Hockey League, who have to feel a sigh of relief that the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers are the two foes facing off for the Stanley Cup.
You can say the same about Ed Snider. The Flyers’ owner can jump at the fact that his team is playing for a championship and his television network VERSUS will be well-represented.
Dick Ebersol, President of NBC Sports, can also breathe easier knowing that Chicago and Philadelphia—two of hockey’s biggest markets—will attract a large following for the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.
NBC will carry the first two contests in Chicago, while Versus will carry Games Three and Four in Philadelphia before NBC airs the remainder of the series.
The two historic franchises have a lot of sentimental value to hockey fans and the league can used that to its advantage. It surely beats the potential San Jose and Montreal meeting that would have been a complete disaster for Gary Bettman.
Also helping the Hawks-Flyers tilt is the rat ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Chad Klassen
2010 Stanley Cup: Chicago Blackhawks-Philadelphia Flyers Matchup Saves NHL
May 28th, 2010 by Chad Klassen Leave a reply »
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