Momentum Shifts from TSN

One week ago today, TSN was sitting pretty. The specialty channel had just aired game seven of the Canadiens-Capitals series and had cemented its best first round ratings performance ever. What’s more, the network had lined-up two promising series for the second round – both expected to be long and hard-fought, featuring a pair of evenly-matched combatants that could easily go the distance and continue to drive ratings.

But things can change quickly in the world of hockey. TSN’s two second round series have been exciting but one-sided, and both risk ending in sweeps. And if the Red Wings and Flyers do exit these playoffs over the next 48 hours, TSN may end-up exiting with them.

Contractually, TSN only has rights to a select number of third round games that do not involve Canadian teams. But with the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens still alive – at least for now – both third round series could potentially involve Canadian content. If that were to happen, TSN would be shutout from the third round. Combined with a pair of potential sweeps in the second round, the specialty network may be done just as it was getting started.

CBC has to be licking its chops – not only would it benefit from high ratings with Canadian teams in action, but its telecasts would run without competition from the other hockey broadcaster. But stay tuned . . . things can change quickly in the world of hockey.

TONIGHT'S GAMES:
Penguins at Canadiens - Game 4, 7 p.m. (CBC)/(RDS)
Sharks at Red Wings - Game 4, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)