I forgot about the NHL Playoffs. Even though the Blackhawks came to life this past season, only to come a few games short of the playoffs, the NHL has been surpassed by NASCAR. While I mentioned that FOX Sports has billions invested in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR signed an 8-year deal with them, along with TNT, ESPN & ABC Sports to carry the races. The Nationwide (Formerly the Busch) Series can be found on ESPN2 & ABC for the most part. As for the NHL, they have a crap TV deal in this country. Ever since ESPN cancelled its contract with the NHL following the lockout, most people can't find Versus, the former Outdoor Life Network, on their cable or satellite. NBC Sports' deal with the NHL does not include a rights' fee. I also think because the Blackhawks & Bulls aren't in the NHL or NBA Playoffs respectively, interest in the two winter sports tends to all but disappear around here. Finally, I think you'd recognize Dale Earnhardt, Jr. or Jeff Gordon on a street corner more than the Penguins' Sidney Crosby.
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