Edmonton Oilers Could Be Selected to Save NHL Special Event In Florida From Low Fan Interest
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are the next teams slated to play an outdoor game, and the NHL should consider featuring the Edmonton Oilers in one of the games to actually draw viewers.
The NHL's latest Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues was a disaster in ratings, with less than 1M viewers.
The latest report from Elliotte Friedman has clarified that both Florida and Tampa will host their own outdoor games, so they won't be playing each other.
» The Panthers' game is expected to be played at LoanDepot Park, home of MLB's Miami Marlins.
There is no confirmed location for the Lightning's game yet.
- Sportsnet
Gary Bettman and the NHL would be smart to use the Panthers' rivalry with the Oilers to draw some Canadian fans, and actually create a good on-ice product. Connor McDavid will always bring eyes to TV.
In Tampa Bay, the NHL could make a similar decision and draw on the playoff rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the outdoor game. Again, that would be a game between two top teams with a history.
The NHL shouldn't pander to American markets with less hardcore fans and then be surprised that viewership is low. They should also prioritize using top level teams in these marquee outdoor games - instead of rebuilders like the Chicago Blackhawks.
Fans are growing tired of the Winter Classic and outdoor games, evident by the major decline in viewership. The NHL clearly needs to work harder to make it an even worth watching. They can start with scheduling a good game between good teams.
Edmonton last played an outdoor game to begin the 2023-24 season - the Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames. The Oilers aren't necessarily due for another specialty game, and it would be rare to see a cross-conference matchup, but it could be a great matchup for all hockey fans.
Then of course, there's plenty of fan questions abiut the actual logistics of playing outdoor hockey in Miami. The NHL's last attempt at outdoor hockey in the south was at Lake Tahoe, and the game had to be suspended due to melting ice.
Hopefully the NHL can find a better solution for this upcoming game, and actually make the first outdoor games in Florida a memorable experience - completely unlike the forgettable Winter Classic this year. Featuring the Edmonton Oilers would be an easy way to draw viewers, and create a great game.
There is no confirmed location for the Lightning's game yet.
- Sportsnet
Gary Bettman and the NHL would be smart to use the Panthers' rivalry with the Oilers to draw some Canadian fans, and actually create a good on-ice product. Connor McDavid will always bring eyes to TV.
NHL should feature Edmonton Oilers in next Winter Classic to draw fans
In Tampa Bay, the NHL could make a similar decision and draw on the playoff rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the outdoor game. Again, that would be a game between two top teams with a history.
The NHL shouldn't pander to American markets with less hardcore fans and then be surprised that viewership is low. They should also prioritize using top level teams in these marquee outdoor games - instead of rebuilders like the Chicago Blackhawks.
Fans are growing tired of the Winter Classic and outdoor games, evident by the major decline in viewership. The NHL clearly needs to work harder to make it an even worth watching. They can start with scheduling a good game between good teams.
Edmonton last played an outdoor game to begin the 2023-24 season - the Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames. The Oilers aren't necessarily due for another specialty game, and it would be rare to see a cross-conference matchup, but it could be a great matchup for all hockey fans.
Then of course, there's plenty of fan questions abiut the actual logistics of playing outdoor hockey in Miami. The NHL's last attempt at outdoor hockey in the south was at Lake Tahoe, and the game had to be suspended due to melting ice.
Hopefully the NHL can find a better solution for this upcoming game, and actually make the first outdoor games in Florida a memorable experience - completely unlike the forgettable Winter Classic this year. Featuring the Edmonton Oilers would be an easy way to draw viewers, and create a great game.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 5 | 98 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers Could Be Selected to Save NHL Special Event In Florida From Low Fan Interest Do you think the Oilers will play the Panthers in their outdoor game? | ||
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