It’s Not HBO, It’s The NHL On HBO

By David S. London

The National Hockey League lockout was only six years ago.  Now HBO is doing a reality show about the Winter Classic. Dare we say the NHL is on the rise?

After a tumultuous decade which saw the league’s lowest point, the league has made leaps and bounds in revitalizing the game’s awareness around the nation.  When the league returned to play after the 2004-2005 season was canceled, changes were made for a quicker game.  Fans want to see action and a lot of it.  The tempo had become too slow and more scoring was needed.  The NHL was also wise to eliminate ties during the regular season and replace them with shootouts after a five minute overtime session.

It didn’t hurt that upon returning to the ice in 2005, the league had two players in Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin who, five years later, have become “the face” of the league.  These two also happen to be rivals, something the NHL has been lacking lately.  These two were drafted a year apart, but because of the lockout Ovechkin’s career started the season as Crosby’s.

The NHL then makes a genius move and has these two faceoff in the fourth annual New Year’s Day game, the Winter Classic mentioned above.  Take the two of the best and most recognizable players in the sport and have them play each other in one of the league’s marquee events of the regular season.  HBO sees this and wants in.

The series will focus around the matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals on January 1^st, 2011.  Four hour long episodes will air before and after the game.

Could this be the NHL’s Hard Knocks in the making?

I’m not saying it’s a sure thing, but the simple fact that the attempt is being made by the NHL shows great strides towards returning to relevance in the Sports World.  For those of you who don’t know about the show, Hard Knocks is a show that takes place during training camp as they focus on one team’s preparation for the upcoming season.  It provides fans with an inside look that they aren’t exposed to from simply watching the games or highlights.

It’s an opportunity to entice fans by bringing them closer to the game.

This reality show comes at a good time as ratings have been steadily climbing.  Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers drew the highest ratings in 36 years.  Little by little the NHL is gaining viewers and guys like Crosby and Ovechkin have helped.  Fans love seeing several players dominate the game as the NHL was in dire need of marketable elite players.

Maybe this show is a big success and begins an annual series.  Or maybe this reality show is a huge flop and is only a one time deal.  Whatever the outcome, the fact that a major network called for the NHL is a victory in itself, something that will make all hockey fans rejoice.