When we think of the major sports in America, four leagues in particular come to mind. The MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL. But now we’re in the year 2004 and historically speaking, we may need to make some adjustments.
Now don’t tell me that hockey is still a major sport in the America. If the NHL were popular, they wouldn’t be in danger of losing their league. Isn’t it also funny that the most popular news story in hockey is of some guy who tried to kill his agent? The guy wasn’t even a good player. I could see if an all-star like Mike Modano, or Peter Forsberg were involved, then it would be the biggest story in sports; But Mike Danton? Give me a break.
It’s just down right pathetic to think that a Yankees Red Sox series in April can have better television ratings than the NHL playoffs. I found myself watching baseball in April not knowing, or not caring to know what was happening in the NHL world. Usually the NHL delivers each year in the playoffs with heart pumping overtime thrillers, but not this season.
The playoffs in hockey have been somewhat bland this year, contrary to the usual fast paced action we’ve been accustomed to. That may be due in large part to the Flames advancing past round one, and Tampa Bay holding the reigns as the premiere team in the league. Wait until next season, if there is a next season, with the way the leagues economic issues are proceeding I highly doubt we will see all of the teams from last year. Don’t be surprised if a shortened schedule isn’t too far in the future either.
And the NBA, so enticing to watch a first round matchup of the Indiana Pacers, best team in the league, against a sub .500 Celtics club that can’t decide who they want as their coach. Not exactly fun to watch the Celtics get their butts handed to them in a seven long, punishing, relentless struggle they call a series. The first round of the playoffs should be shortened from a seven game series to a five so maybe in the future we can avoid this whole fiasco. Its basketball were talking about, not a torture session.
Another thing I have a problem with is with the eight teams in the playoffs. Both the NBA, and NHL allow eight teams to enter the playoffs and I believe it is a waste of time. The MLB only allows four teams from each league, which means you have to be an elite team to get a bid. The NFL is the same way, only six teams go. But no, professional basketball and hockey has to be different. They need to let in sub .500 clubs that don’t deserve to be in the league in the first place.
The playoffs are about the best playing the best for the championship, not a crap team playing a virtually unstoppable one. What is that going to prove? Maybe they should use the first round playoffs of hockey and basketball as lullabies for the babies to fall asleep to, then the kids would learn how not to play a sport while falling peacefully asleep in bed. They’d make millions! Then maybe the NHL could afford to pay it’s players.
I had high hopes for the second round of the NBA, but the teams didn’t deliver. The Nets couldn’t buy a shot, not even scoring 60 points against the Pistons. Instead of torturing myself with the NBA, I forced myself to watch the season finale of Friends yesterday; forgive me lord I have sinned.
Maybe they should cancel all of next seasons’ games and just air the promos for two hours, that would keep me interested. That song they play informing the viewer of what games are going to be played, like anyone cares anyway, “Lets Get it Started”, has been stuck in my head for the last week. I think the NBA players should listen to their own commercials because they need to get it started.
Now on the flip side, the only sport in America to consume us more over a period of time is March Madness. College hoops has taken large strides in recent years to make March all about the National Championship. The NHL is lucky their playoffs don’t begin until after National Championship game is over because nobody except Barry Melrose would be watching.
College hoops are also becoming more popular than the NBA. Has anyone ever noticed the NBA is just plain boring? No media jazz to heighten the experience. College basketball on the other hand, is all about hype and matchups. The NBA needs a Dick Vitale calling the game winning shots; Tom Tolbert just doesn’t cut it for me. If the NBA doesn’t act swiftly, some college phenoms may not want to leave college.
What it comes down to is that the NBA and the NHL need to raise the bar if they want to be regarded as popular leagues. I don’t think there is any hope to save hockey in America, but the NBA’s problems are definitely fixable. Until huge strides are made by either league, the four major sports in America may need to be whittled down to three: the MLB, NFL, and NCAA college basketball. Anything else is just a joke.