When did Sportsnet's Hockey Night In Canada lose its way?
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Speaking in hockey terms, there is a core to build on here for Rogers Sportsnet, but as the recently completed Cup final amplified, there is work to be done.
With that mind, by bastardizing one of the Hockey Night's best elements — the 32 Thoughts podcast from insider Elliotte Friedman and co-host Kyle Bukauskas — we offer our 15 Faults.
1. When did HNIC begin its slide to its current state? It's tough to pinpoint precisely, but it began sometime after Rogers Communications began its reign as Canadian rights holder 11 years ago. Over time, the show slowly moved away from the industry leader to one often lacking in focus and identity.
2. Pressure on. In keeping with the Rogers theme, the pressure should on with the 12-year, $11-billion deal announced earlier in the spring. Will status quo be enough? Are big ratings (thanks to the Oilers making it to the final) all that really matters? We fear the latter will be the case.
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