NHL posts strong TV ratings for NBC in return

[Phila26Flyers]

Not trying to pile onto you, DYB, but high ratings and capacity crowds shouldn't be a surprise, or even a big deal, given it was the NHL's opening night after an extended layoff. I think everyone knew those "boycott" pages springing up on the web weren't going to grow legs. Those who were truly disgusted by the lockout, like me, didn't go to opening day, and won't go to any games this season. I'm just one guy, and the Flyers obviously have no trouble drawing 20,000 other people, so I'm not here to tell anyone else what to do or think; it's just my thing. I make my money and have decided to spend it elsewhere. I've said before that I'll certainly watch some Flyers games as long as the product is entertaining (I won't sit through too many more of those Buffalo snoozefests), and I'm not working or have other plans.

NHL fans were eager to see their teams again, so of course there is going to be a spike in the numbers. Just wait until next season, when everything goes back to "normal" in November. Hell, the Columbus-Detroit game tonight already looked like things were going back to normal in Columbus.

The bottom line is I don't begrudge anyone who flung himself back into the NHL's open arms and gave it a big ole bear hug. It certainly wasn't realistic to think there would actually be a league-wide boycott or that teams would be hurting for ticket sales. Those who were truly disgusted gave up their season tickets, or cancelled their Center Ice package, or won't buy any merchandise, and will leave it at that.

[Baronking]

Originally Posted by Phila26Flyers

Not trying to pile onto you, DYB, but high ratings and capacity crowds shouldn't be a surprise, or even a big deal, given it was the NHL's opening night after an extended layoff. I think everyone knew those "boycott" pages springing up on the web weren't going to grow legs. Those who were truly disgusted by the lockout, like me, didn't go to opening day, and won't go to any games this season. I'm just one guy, and the Flyers obviously have no trouble drawing 20,000 other people, so I'm not here to tell anyone else what to do or think; it's just my thing. I make my money and have decided to spend it elsewhere.

NHL fans were eager to see their teams again, so of course there is going to be a spike in the numbers. Just wait until next season, when everything goes back to "normal" in November. Hell, the Columbus-Detroit game tonight already looked like things were going back to normal in Columbus.

I'm in this boat.

Opening day is the most popular day in baseball. Then as the season goes on, interest dwindles until playoffs start. Same will probably happen here.

[Anthony19]

Originally Posted by PilotsFan

Since I cancelled my Center Ice package, today I got an email offering me $14per month for 4 months.

Damn you got hosed. The going rate is $49.99.

[Wadubbin]

Originally Posted by pesadillamal

It was a joke for those who feel the word "capacity" means the maximum amount of people that a place could hold. You can't have more than 100% of the maximum.

But you could have over-capacity...

[Ciccarelli]

Who would have thought it, despite NFL playoffs night...and they don't even have that "Thank you fans" script written on the ice.

I personally was really pissed by this lockout and didn't care much about NHL hockey until now. Thought I would continue but I must admit I have watched already 3 games this first weekend and made a subscription for NHL Gamecenter live, just can't say no to it.

[FightingIsGood]

I've watched only Pens games so far, sold all of my season tickets and will not be buying any merchandise this season. That is my protest, but as Phila26Flyers said, I'm only one guy, and since I live in a city full of bandwagon Pens fans, they will not be hurting one bit. But at least I will have some satisfaction knowing they aren't getting anything else out of me.

[Wadubbin]

Originally Posted by Phila26Flyers

Not trying to pile onto you, DYB, but high ratings and capacity crowds shouldn't be a surprise, or even a big deal, given it was the NHL's opening night after an extended layoff. I think everyone knew those "boycott" pages springing up on the web weren't going to grow legs. Those who were truly disgusted by the lockout, like me, didn't go to opening day, and won't go to any games this season. I'm just one guy, and the Flyers obviously have no trouble drawing 20,000 other people, so I'm not here to tell anyone else what to do or think; it's just my thing. I make my money and have decided to spend it elsewhere. I've said before that I'll certainly watch some Flyers games as long as the product is entertaining (I won't sit through too many more of those Buffalo snoozefests), and I'm not working or have other plans.

NHL fans were eager to see their teams again, so of course there is going to be a spike in the numbers. Just wait until next season, when everything goes back to "normal" in November. Hell, the Columbus-Detroit game tonight already looked like things were going back to normal in Columbus.

The bottom line is I don't begrudge anyone who flung himself back into the NHL's open arms and gave it a big ole bear hug. It certainly wasn't realistic to think there would actually be a league-wide boycott or that teams would be hurting for ticket sales. Those who were truly disgusted gave up their season tickets, or cancelled their Center Ice package, or won't buy any merchandise, and will leave it at that.

Myself never even thought about boycotting.I like the game too much.I just simply waited for these goofs to get their business together and start playing..All the boycotting threads and talk of doing it,is just that.All talk.

[Phila26Flyers]

Originally Posted by Wadubbin

Myself never even thought about boycotting.I like the game too much.I just simply waited for these goofs to get their business together and start playing..All the boycotting threads and talk of doing it,is just that.All talk.

Maybe. Or maybe the people who said they would do it all followed through, but there weren't nearly enough to make a difference.

[Boston Garden]

Admittedly I've been watching all the games, however I haven't and won't buy tickets or merchandise. It seemingly doesn't make a difference though, as the Bruins have turned into the new Red Sox in Boston.

[Wadubbin]

Originally Posted by Phila26Flyers

Maybe. Or maybe the people who said they would do it all followed through, but there weren't nearly enough to make a difference.

There's no doubt the number of people boycotting because of the lockout is way too small to make a difference..I agree..I believe I heard that the Penguins had 45 season tickets plans cancelled during the lockout.Whether that number is correct I don't know for sure,but if it is.Was it people boycotting??If so,then yes the numbers are puny..But those tickets were sucked up from the waiting list anyways.And obviously not many are boycotting in Philly either as evidenced by their over-capacity crowd on opening night.

[RayzorEdge]

Originally Posted by D Y B FLYERS

Maybe you specifically didn't say that, but when someone says the NHL is "digging their own grave" then what does it mean? They are digging their own grave but the TV ratings will be up and attendance will be up? That makes no sense. I agree more (on this site) were saying they would, "turn their back on the league/not watch it on TV" but there seemed to be massive amounts, specifically on this site, trying to get you to believe that because of this lockout the NHL won't rebound. I think that has been proven wrong already.

They were digging it everyday the lockout dragged on, all the crying by both sides got on a lot of nerves. But avoiding the cancelled season means they didn't jump in. A cancelled season would have been much more difficult to come back from. But as Phila said, it's still a bit to early to really know what effect the lockout has had. Look at the ratings and attendance once the shine of the opening games wears off.

I also disagree with you on the minor hockey thing. That's a matter of personal opinion, so I won't try and get you to agree with me, but from the ECHL games I've been to this year, they are terribly boring.

Reading or Trenton? If it was Trenton, I can understand. My preference for games in person is the AHL since that's easier with the Amerks right here, but I can get into watching ECHL games online.