National networks still have not entirely gotten over 1994, when MSG got to carry Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in North America’s largest market, garnering huge ratings for the Rangers’ clincher over the Canucks.
That Sam Rosen call was the last time a local television announcer got to describe his team’s big moment.
But even now the NHL clings to some of that local feel, with regional sports networks such as MSG still allowed to televise first-round series, except for NBC’s weekend afternoon exclusives.
Hence Games 1 through 5 and Game 7 (if necessary) of the Rangers-Canadiens series that opens on Wednesday will be shown on MSG, with Game 6 on April 22 still undecided because it could be an NBC exclusive.