Sports Media News

NHL NETWORK CANADA ANNOUNCES 2010-11 LIVE NHL GAME SCHEDULE
Network Schedule Includes 31 Live Games For Canadian Viewers In 2010-11

TORONTO (August 25, 2010) – NHL Network™ Canada drops the puck on the live 2010-11 NHL® regular-season schedule Oct. 10 when the Boston Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes go head-to-head in Prague, CZE as part of the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere™ in a special 10 a.m. ET matinee.  The action continues the next day when captain Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins travel to New Jersey to face the Devils for a 1 p.m. ET matinee.  In all, NHL Network will again televise 31 live games this season for Canadian viewers.

The live game schedule in the Canada focuses on Sunday games, with approximately half of the schedule on a Sunday. Four teams will each make a League-high five appearances on the Network, the defending Stanley Cup^® champion Chicago Blackhawks, the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks.  The Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils each make four appearances.

Highlights of the NHL Network Canada schedule this season include:

· Sunday, Oct. 10 – The NHL Network Canada schedule begins with the Boston Bruins taking on the Phoenix Coyotes in Prague, CZE as part of the 2010 Compuware Premiere.

· Monday, Oct. 11 – Sidney Crosby and the Penguins head to “The Rock” to face Martin Brodeur and the Devils.

· Monday, Nov. 1 – The champion Blackhawks make their first appearance in an Original Six matchup at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers.

· Sunday, Nov. 28 – Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin makes the first of his two appearances as the Caps host Eric Staal and the Hurricanes,

· Wednesday, Jan. 5 – Steven Stamkos and Crosby, who shared the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy last season as the League’s top goal scorers, face off at the new CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh.

· Sunday, Jan. 9 – NHL Network presents a Sunday tripleheader: Atlanta at Carolina; Tampa Bay at New Jersey and San Jose at Anaheim.

· Sunday, Jan. 23 – The one and only game featuring a rematch of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final as the Flyers look for a small piece of revenge against the Blackhawks in Chicago.

NHL Network’s flagship show, “NHL On The Fly,” once again will be appearing nightly throughout the season.  The program features up-to-the minute hockey information, live look-ins, extended highlights, overtime shootouts, real-time scores, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and news conferences.  Information on the dates and times of the NHL Network U.S. 2010-11 live game schedule will be released in the near future.

NHL Network Canada 2010-11 Live Game Broadcast Schedule

October
Sunday, Oct. 10                Boston @ Phoenix                10 a.m. ET
Monday, Oct. 11                Pittsburgh @ New Jersey        1 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Oct. 12                Atlanta @ Los Angeles        10:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Oct. 27                New Jersey @ San Jose        10:30 p.m. ET

November
Monday, Nov. 1                Chicago @ NY Rangers        7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Nov. 10                NY Islanders @ Anaheim        10 p.m. ET
Thursday, Nov. 11                Dallas @ Los Angeles        10:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 14                Anaheim @ Chicago                7 p.m. ET
Monday, Nov. 15                Los Angeles @ San Jose        10:30 p.m. ET
Friday, Nov. 26                Chicago @ Anaheim                4 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 28                Carolina @ Washington        5 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Nov. 30                Detroit @ San Jose                10:30 p.m. ET

December
Thursday, Dec. 2                Florida @ Los Angeles        10:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Dec. 5                Philadelphia @ NY Islanders        1 p.m. ET

January
Sunday, Jan. 2                Philadelphia @ Detroit        5 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Jan. 5                Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh        7 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 9                Atlanta @ Carolina                1:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 9                Tampa Bay @ New Jersey        5 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 9                San Jose @ Anaheim                8 p.m. ET
Monday, Jan. 17                Carolina @ Boston                1 p.m. ET
Monday, Jan. 17                San Jose @ Phoenix                5 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 23                Philadelphia @ Chicago        TBD
Sunday, Jan. 23                Florida @ New Jersey        TBD

February
Sunday, Feb. 13                Boston @ Detroit                TBD
Monday, Feb. 21                Chicago @ St. Louis                2 p.m. ET
Sunday, Feb. 27                Tampa Bay @ NY Rangers        1 p.m. ET
Monday, Feb. 28                Detroit @ Los Angeles        10:30 p.m. ET

March
Sunday, March 6                Washington @ Florida        5 p.m. ET
Sunday, March 13                Phoenix @ Anaheim                5 p.m. ET

April
Sunday, April 3                NY Rangers @ Philadelphia        TBD
Sunday, April 10                Dallas @ Minnesota                TBD

*Schedule subject to change

About NHL Network
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games. The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events. Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs. NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers.
For more information log on to nhlnetwork.com.

NHL NETWORK U.S. PLAYS HOST TO THE FRENZY OF FREE AGENCY
Four Hours of TSN Coverage to Follow NHL Live! on July 1

NEW YORK, NY (June 29, 2010) – When the National Hockey League’s annual race to sign veteran talent commences on July 1, fans in the United States will be able to keep up with all the moves of free agency on NHL Network™ and NHL.com.

American hockey fans can watch TSN’s Free Agent Frenzy show on NHL Network and streamed live on NHL.com to follow all the signings and rumors during one of the most exciting days on the League’s calendar. The NHL on
TSN: Free Agent Frenzy will be broadcast on NHL Network and streamed on NHL.com from 2-6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 1.

Before throwing it to TSN in Toronto, NHL Network and NHL.com will carry NHL Live! The League’s daily satellite radio call-in show on Sirius XM, that is simulcast on NHL Network and streamed live on NHL.com each weekday from noon-2 p.m. ET, will be hosted by Don La Greca and E.J. Hradek live from the NHL Powered by Reebok store in Manhattan. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will join Don and E.J. in studio as a special guest as the free-agency signing period officially begins at noon ET.

NHL NETWORK U.S. PRESENTS PREMIERE BROADCAST OF RAISING THE CUP: 35 YEARS OF STANLEY CUP CLINCHERS (1975-2010)
Games Shown in Entirety Including Post-Game Celebrations Beginning July 5

NEW YORK (June 29, 2010) – One of the sporting world’s oldest and most distinguished trophies — The Stanley Cup — will be presented each weeknight beginning on Monday, July 5, on NHL Network™ U.S., the National Hockey League announced today.  As a part of its summer programming line-up, the NHL Network will present 35 years of Stanley Cup Clinchers so fans can relive all the heroics, heartbreaking moments and magical memories.

Raising the Cup: 35 Years of Stanley Cup Clinchers 1975-2010, will air at 8:00 p.m. ET each weeknight through August 27.  Stanley Cup Final clinching games will be shown in their entirety, including the full Stanley Cup presentations and post-game celebrations.

The Philadelphia Flyers have secured both first and last acts – one of exhilaration and one of disappointment — in this series that chronicles the pursuit of hockey’s holy grail.  The Raising the Cup: 35 Years of Stanley Cup Clinchers series begins in 1975 as two modern-era expansion teams, the Flyers and Buffalo Sabres, meet for the first time in the Stanley Cup Final.  The Flyers win the series in six games.  Flash ahead 35-years to 2010 when the newly crowned Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks beat the Flyers in six games to capture their first Cup in nearly 50 years.

Throughout 35 years of clinchers, fans will have the opportunity to experience again the dynasties of the 1970s (Montreal Canadiens), 1980s (New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers) and 1990s (Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings).  The Raising the Cup series will take viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride of Game 7 overtimes, surprising contenders and historic ends to franchise droughts.  From the tears of veteran players winning their first Stanley Cup in their last season to stellar rookie performances to the drive to defend the hardest trophy to win, this collection of Stanley Cup clinching games has something for everyone.

Fans also will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite game from each decade by logging onto www.nhl.com throughout the month.  Top vote-getting games will receive encore presentations from August 23-27.

Raising the Cup: 35 Years of Stanley Cup Clinchers 1975-2010 Schedule

Day        Year        Visitor        Home        Game #
Monday, July 5         1975        Philadelphia        Buffalo        6
Tuesday, July 6        1976        Montreal        Philadelphia        4
Wednesday, July 7        1977        Montreal        Boston        4
Thursday, July 8        1978        Montreal        Boston        6
Friday, July 9        1979        NY Rangers        Montreal        5

Monday, July 12        1980        Philadelphia        NY Islanders        6
Tuesday, July 13        1981        Minnesota        NY Islanders        5
Wednesday, July 14        1982        NY Islanders        Vancouver        4
Thursday, July 15        1983        Edmonton        NY Islanders        4
Friday, July 16        1984        NY Islanders        Edmonton        5

Monday, July 19        1985        Philadelphia        Edmonton        5
Tuesday, July 20        1986        Montreal        Calgary        5
Wednesday, July 21        1987        Philadelphia        Edmonton        7
Thursday, July 22        1988        Boston        Edmonton        4
Friday, July 23        1989        Calgary        Montreal        6

Monday, July 26        1990        Edmonton        Boston        5
Tuesday, July 27        1991        Pittsburgh        Minnesota        6
Wednesday, July 28        1992        Pittsburgh        Chicago        4
Thursday, July 29        1993        Los Angeles        Montreal        5
Friday, July 30        1994        Vancouver        NY Rangers        7

Monday, Aug. 2        1995        Detroit        New Jersey        4
Tuesday, Aug. 3        1996        Colorado        Florida        4
Wednesday, Aug. 4        1997        Philadelphia        Detroit        4
Thursday, Aug. 5        1998        Detroit        Washington        4
Friday, Aug. 6        1999        Dallas        Buffalo        6

Monday, Aug. 9        2000        New Jersey        Dallas        6
Tuesday, Aug. 10        2001        New Jersey        Colorado        7
Wednesday, Aug. 11        2002        Carolina        Detroit        5
Thursday, Aug. 12        2003        Anaheim        New Jersey        7
Friday, Aug. 13        2004        Calgary        Tampa Bay        7

Monday, Aug. 16        2006        Edmonton        Carolina        7
Tuesday, Aug. 17        2007        Ottawa        Anaheim        5
Wednesday, Aug. 18        2008        Detroit        Pittsburgh        6
Thursday, Aug. 19        2009        Pittsburgh        Detroit        7
Friday, Aug. 20        2010        Chicago        Philadelphia        6

Monday, Aug. 23        Fans’ Choice Encore #1
Tuesday, Aug. 24        Fans’ Choice Encore #2
Wednesday, Aug. 25        Fans’ Choice Encore #3
Thursday, Aug. 26        Fans’ Choice Encore #4
Friday, Aug. 27        Fans’ Choice Encore #5

About NHL NETWORK
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games.  The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events.  Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs.  NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers.  For more information on NHL Network, log on to nhlnetwork.com.

NHL UNVEILS AWARDS AND ENTRY DRAFT PROGRAMMING PLANS FOR NHL NETWORK, NHL.COM AND NHL RADIO
Top Players and Top Prospects Gather for NHL Signature Events

NEW YORK (June 18, 2010) – In the next week, the National Hockey League’s top players and top prospects take center stage for two of the NHL’s most prestigious post-season events.  All three of the League’s media platforms — NHL Network, NHL.com and NHL Radio — will provide coverage from one or both sites at the 2010 NHL Awards in Las Vegas and the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the NHL announced today.

The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas will be the NHL’s home for two days starting Tuesday, June 22 as the brightest stars and best regular-season performers gather with Hollywood stars for the 2010 NHL Awards (June 23, 7:00 p.m. ET, VS, CBC, RDS).

NHL Network’s Awards coverage begins with a special one-hour NHL On The Fly Awards Preview show at 9:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 19.  The NHL Network panel, hosted by OTF’s Dan Pollard along with analysts Mike Johnson and Gary Green, will review the finalists and highlight the plays, saves and off-ice contributions to their communities that make each player a contender for these accolades.  The show will re-air on June 20 at 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET as well as 6:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 23.

NHL.com will be on-site for live updates beginning on Tuesday, June 22 with media day at 6:00 p.m. ET.  A team of writers, who have diligently watched each player throughout the season, will report on each award and finalist with player interviews and analysis.

NHL.com will also stream exclusive pre-show coverage, the 2010 NHL Awards Red Carpet Show Presented by Verizon, live from the red carpet on Wednesday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. ET, immediately preceding the 2010 Awards theatre show.  Host Carrie Milbank, along with roving reporters Alyonka Larionov and Deanna Kay, will give fans the opportunity to meet their NHL idols up-close and personal with special interviews in red-carpet style.  A number of the NHL’s regular-season awards also will be recognized on the red carpet, including the Art Ross Trophy, ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy, William Jennings Trophy, Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone and the NHL Foundation Player Award.

NHL Live! ™, the NHL’s daily radio show — broadcast live on Sirius XM Radio, streamed on NHL.com and simulcast on NHL Network — will have daily programming at its regular time, Monday through Friday from noon – 2 p.m. ET, to recap the award winners and all the NHL news of the day.

Beginning Friday, June 25, NHL media platforms will have all Entry Draft angles covered. The big question remains: Who will be picked No. 1?  The race is close between two future NHL stars, C Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers and LW Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires.

The Network’s one-hour Draft Preview Show hits the airwaves at 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 25 as Brian Duff and Mike Johnson provide their analysis of which player will be selected in the coveted first overall position.  Carried live on Versus in the United States and TSN and RDS in Canada, the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft will be telecast from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Immediately following the conclusion of round one, the NHL Network team will be on the air again at 11:00 p.m. ET for post-draft reaction.  On Saturday, On the Fly host Dan Pollard, analyst and former NHL GM Craig Button and Kings Vision host Heidi Androl will take viewers through rounds two through seven as NHL Network is the exclusive broadcaster for day two of the Draft beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET.

NHL Radio will provide first-round coverage of the NHL Entry Draft, which can be heard on radio stations across North America, including NHL Home Ice XM 204, and on NHL.com.

NHL.com’s coverage includes special behind-the-scenes video features starring the NHL Top Prospects on their trip to Anaheim to take batting practice with the Dodgers and Angels, the NHL’s on-ice clinic with Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown and extensive reporting from Entry Draft media day from atop the Target Terrace overlooking LA Live.  For comprehensive Awards and Entry Draft coverage, visit www.nhl.com.

NHL NETWORK U.S. UNVEILS SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Five Hockey Documentaries Showcased From June 28 – July 2

NEW YORK (June 18, 2010) – NHL Network™ U.S. today unveiled the line-up for its hockey-themed summer film festival.  Beginning on Monday, June 28, fans will have the opportunity to re-live some of hockey’s most exciting and memorable moments on the big screen.

On Monday, June 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET, Kings Ransom, a film that documents one of the most shocking trades in sports history, will be aired.  This hour-long feature, the first of the critically-acclaimed ESPN “30 for 30″ series, was screened at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival and recounts the deal that sent the NHL’s brightest star, Wayne Gretzky, from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1989. The documentary includes interviews with Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones; his father, Walter Gretzky; the club owners who made the deal and Edmonton journalists who covered the trade.

The documentary film, The Battle of Comm Ave., which tells the story of the Boston College-Boston University rivalry, will be broadcast on Tuesday, June 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET.  The film, narrated by Hall of Fame announcer Mike “Doc” Emrick, examines the 91-year tussle between two of college hockey’s perennial powers.  It looks at the development of the rivalry from its early days and brings viewers front and center to championship glory as each school has won an NCAA title in the past two years.  From the history to the coaches and the recruiting battles, from defining moments to pre-game jitters, hear the stories of what has become America’s premiere college hockey rivalry.

On Wednesday, June 30, at 8:00 p.m. ET, NHL Network U.S. will feature the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Official Championship Film, also narrated by Doc Emrick.  The film features championship tournament highlights, behind the scenes access and never before seen footage.  Fans will learn the stories of four exemplary student-athletes — Miami’s Tommy Wingels, RIT’s Cameron Burt, Wisconsin’s Ben Street and Boston College’s Matt Lombardi — and how their personal journeys took each to the cusp of a national championship.

Pond Hockey is the feature film that will be broadcast at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 1.  This movie documents the outdoor hockey experience and the role of sports in our modern society. For generations, rink rats have grown up on outdoor ice. But now, there are climate-controlled arenas in just about every town where the kids go to practice year-round. Through interviews with hockey legends like Neal Broten and Wayne Gretzky and the on-ice action of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Pond Hockey examines this changing culture in search of the true meaning of sport.

Told by the men who pioneered the game, Hockey’s Greatest Era reflects on the storied period from 1942-1967. During this “Original Six” era, the National Hockey League consisted only of six teams in Canada and the U.S., with a multitude of players trying to make a precious few NHL team rosters.  Hockey’s Greatest Era will be featured on Friday, July 2, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Throughout the summer, NHL Network U.S. also will be presenting Raising the Cup: 35 Years of Stanley Cup Clinchers 1975-2010.

NHL Network Film Festival (all begin at 8:00 p.m. ET)
Monday, June 28                Kings Ransom
Tuesday, June 29                The Battle of Comm Ave.
Wednesday, June 30                2010 NCAA Frozen Four Official Championship Film
Thursday, July 1                        Pond Hockey
Friday, July 2                        Hockey’s Greatest Era

About NHL NETWORK
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games.  The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events.  Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs.  NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers.  For more information on NHL Network, log on to nhlnetwork.com.

NHL is a registered trademark and the NHL Shield, NHL Network name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League.  All Rights Reserved.

SPEND “SATURDAY WITH STANLEY” AS NHL NETWORK U.S. RE-LIVES THE 2010 STANLEY CUP FINAL SERIES AND CELEBRATIONS
Blackhawks-Flyers Championship Series Becomes an Instant Fan Favorite

NEW YORK (June 17, 2010) – NHL Network™ U.S today announced that it will be re-airing all six games of this year’s Stanley Cup Final in their entirety as well as the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victory parade on a day-long Saturday with Stanley beginning at 9 a.m. ET, Saturday, June 19.  All games will be broadcast in high definition.

Saturday with Stanley comprises more than 14-hours of relentless entertainment. From the moment the puck was dropped in Chicago for Game 1 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final until Patrick Kane’s series-clinching overtime goal in Game 6 in Philadelphia ended a 49-year Stanley Cup drought for the Blackhawks, the 2010 Stanley Cup Final was a fast-paced, action-packed series.

In keeping with the unpredictability and excitement of the three playoff rounds that preceded it, there was no hint of a conservative ‘feeling out process’ to begin the Stanley Cup Final series. The Blackhawks and Flyers combined for 11 goals in Game 1, the most in a Stanley Cup Final opener in 18 years. That merely set the tone for the series-long thrill ride that would see the home Club prevail through five hard-fought games until Kane’s overtime heroics broke the pattern and returned the Cup to the city of Chicago for the first time since 1961.

Following the re-airing of Game 6, NHL Network will broadcast a special NHL On The Fly Awards Preview show at 9:00 p.m. ET.  The NHL Network panel will analyze all of the finalists for the upcoming NHL Awards in Las Vegas, highlighting the plays, saves and off-ice activities that make each player a contender for these post-season accolades.

Saturday with Stanley will wrap up beginning at 10:00 p.m. with complete coverage of the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victory parade and rally. Led by team captain Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks players, coaches and their families salute over two million fans lined Washington Blvd. and Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory.

Saturday With Stanley – June 19 Schedule (all times ET)

9:00 a.m.        2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 1
11:00 a.m.         2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 2
1:00 p.m.         2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 3
3:00 p.m.         2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 4
5:00 p.m.         2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 5
7:00 p.m.         2010 Stanley Cup Final Game 6
9:00 p.m.         NHL On The Fly Awards Preview
10:00 p.m.        Blackhawks Stanley Cup Parade

About NHL NETWORK
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games.  The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events.  Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs.  NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers.  For more information on NHL Network, log on to nhlnetwork.com.

NHL is a registered trademark and the NHL Shield, NHL Network name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League.  All Rights Reserved.

NHL NETWORK, NHL.COM AND NHL RADIO TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE 2010 NHL PLAYOFF SEASON
NHL Network’s On The Fly Playoff Coverage Begins Sunday Night

TORONTO (April 9, 2010) – From the drop of the puck in October, memorable moments, incredible highlights and surprising storylines from the 2009-10 season have been written in NHL® history books — with more certain to come from the games that remain through Sunday night.  With that final whistle comes the anticipation of the most exciting time of the year — the Stanley Cup® Playoffs.  Today, the NHL announced its comprehensive 2010 Stanley Cup Playoff plans for NHL Network™, NHL.com and NHL Radio™.

The NHL’s media platforms will have all angles covered when the NHL’s post-season begins on Wednesday, April 14.  Pre- and post-game reports, real-time reporting from inside the NHL’s video room, expert analysis, feature interviews and live press conferences will enable fans to follow and get inside every playoff match-up.

As the 2009-10 regular season draws to a close Sunday night, NHL Network’s signature nightly program, On The Fly™, will be on the air immediately following the conclusion of the Penguins vs. Islanders game (5 p.m. ET start).  NHL Network analysts Gary Green and Denis Potvin will provide a complete season wrap-up, highlight the day’s games and discuss the match-ups for the conference quarter-finals.

NHL Network also will present a comprehensive breakdown of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs — including player and team features, predictions and analysis — with special, one-hour shows that preview the Eastern Conference on Monday, April 12, and the Western Conference on Tuesday, April 13, at 8 p.m. ET.  The shows will be hosted by Brian Duff and Dan Pollard and feature analysts Gary Green and former NHL player Mike Johnson, as well as other experts from around the League.

The 2010 LG NHL Draft Lottery, a weighted system to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, will take place Tuesday, April 13, at 8 p.m. ET.  The 30-minute program will be broadcast by TSN in Canada and simulcast on VERSUS and streamed live on NHL.com in the U.S.

NHL.com will provide extensive coverage of the blood, sweat and tears of playoff hockey from day one of the postseason until the Stanley Cup has been won.  In addition to their reporting from game and practice sites, NHL.com reporters will take fans inside the League’s video room with real-time video review explanations from the NHL’s Hockey Operations headquarters in Toronto.  The NHL.com team of writers also will make playoff predictions and provide in-depth reporting about playoff leaders and team rosters.

On Wednesday, April 14, NHL.com will premiere the Blackberry All-Access Pre Game Show, a playoff game-day web show that will air every day through the Stanley Cup Final on which a playoff game is played.

From her post at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store in New York City, host Deb Placey will take viewers on a virtual tour of the playoff markets — including remote reports from writers and broadcasters at team practices, insider features, interviews with special guests and a break-down of all the need-to-know game day facts and figures.  The show, published on NHL.com on the afternoon of each game day, will feature Blackberry product integration through live reports sent via Blackberry Messenger (BBM) from correspondents onsite at team venues. Viewers also will have the opportunity to gain access to exclusive content, get the insider “tip of the day” and receive breaking news through BBM by adding Stanley10 to their list of friends on their Blackberry smartphones.

NHL Live! ™, the NHL’s daily radio show — broadcast live on Sirius XM Radio, streamed on NHL.com and simulcast on NHL Network weekdays from noon – 2 p.m. ET — will continue to provide listeners the most up-to-date playoff information as teams prepare for their evening match-ups.  Guest analysts and NHL coaches and players will join the NHL Live! team.

And every Thursday throughout the playoffs in the regular 6 – 7 p.m. ET time slot, the Commissioner will host his weekly radio show, NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman.

About NHL Network
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games. The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events. Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s NHL Live! which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs.  NHL Network is available to more than 85 million homes in the U.S. and Canada. To access NHL Network, contact digital cable or satellite providers. For more information log on to www.nhlnetwork.com.

NHL NETWORK U.S. TO BROADCAST PITTSBURGH PRE-GAME CEREMONY AT 6:30 PM ET TONIGHT
Penguins Celebrate Final Regular-Season Game at 48-Year-Old Mellon Arena

NHL Network U.S. will take to the airwaves early for tonight’s match-up between the Penguins and New York Islanders in order to broadcast a special pre-game ceremony planned to commemorate the final regular-season game played at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.

Mellon Arena, often nicknamed the ‘Igloo’, will host its 1,667th regular season game tonight.  The Penguins will have over 50 alumni players, coaches and management in the building for this special ceremony.  The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., will be followed by the puck drop at 7:30 p.m. ET – both the ceremony and game will be broadcast in HD.

BEGINNING TONIGHT, NHL NETWORK CELEBRATES THE 2009-10 SEASON WITH SLATE OF LIVE GAMES AND ‘ON THE FLY’ SPECIAL PROGRAMMING
Nightly ‘Top Moment’ Features and In-Studio Guests Round Out Final Week of Regular Season

NEW YORK (April 5, 2010) – Before the focus shifts to the incomparable drama of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL Network this week will air a full slate of regular season live game action that includes Clubs holding down top playoff positions, those in the playoff hunt and those eager to find out whom they will face in their first-round playoff series.

Four match-ups with playoff implications will be broadcast in U.S. markets, including two games featuring the Phoenix Coyotes — April 7 against Nashville (10 p.m. ET) and April 10 at San Jose (10:30 p.m. ET), the second game of an NHL Network double-header. The defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins will face the Islanders on April 8 (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Northeast Division leading Buffalo Sabres will take on the Ottawa Senators on Hockey Night in Canada in the NHL Network early game on April 10.

NHL Network Canada will broadcast the April 9 game between the Atlanta Thrashers and the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. ET and the Penguins-Islanders afternoon match on the final day of the regular season, Sunday.

Also this week, On The Fly nightly segments will showcase the best of what has been a gripping 2009-10 regular season. Beginning tonight, NHL Network will chronicle and analyze the season’s top goals, saves and games, the most amazing comebacks and surprises. In addition, analysis, storylines and video packages will be streamed and available on NHL.com.

The first segment of “Top Moments” on On The Fly will air tonight as the top goals of the season thus far will be on display and ready for evaluation.  Will Alex Ovechkin’s one-handed goal against the New York Rangers make the cut?  On The Fly analysts will pick their favorites and break down the incredible plays that have graced the nightly highlight reels for months.

Top saves of the season will be plentiful on Tuesday’s edition of On The Fly.  Could Roberto Luongo’s desperation save against the Tampa Bay Lightning be the one to beat in this segment of spectacular stops by the League’s net protectors?

Featuring highlights of the NHL’s top comebacks of 2009-10 — including Chicago’s rally from five goals down on December 12 — Wednesday’s On The Fly will be an information-packed hour.  E.J. McGuire, Central Scouting’s head honcho, will be the in-studio guest and will run down the list of the final rankings (released earlier in the day) and top prospect surprises heading into this year’s NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles.  Will OHL rivals LW Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires) and C Tyler Seguin (Plymouth Whalers) retain the one-two rankings, respectively?

Thursday’s feature will be a look into the season’s top games.  It is a good bet that there will be a Caps-Pens game or two among the select few. There is no denying that every time Pittsburgh and Washington meet, sparks fly, players unleash their best and history is made.

Also on Thursday’s show: a special feature on the “Race to the Rocket,” that delves into the NHL’s regular-season goal-scoring race.  With only four games remaining, the heat is on Tampa Bay sophomore Steven Stamkos to keep up with defending Rocket Richard champion Ovechkin.  Heading into the final week, both players have 46 goals, one behind the League leader, Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby.  The 2009-10 Rocket Richard Trophy race very well could come down to the final day of the regular season.

And after clinching their first playoff berth since 2002, could this be the year for the Phoenix Coyotes to make a run to the Final?  Friday, On The Fly explores the most surprising teams of the season.  The Coyotes (48-25-6, 102 points) already have set franchise records for most wins and points in a single season. And with three games remaining, they are bound to add pages to the Club’s history books.

NHL On The Fly also will broadcast special Eastern and Western Conference playoff preview shows at 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday, April 12, and Tuesday, April 13, respectively.

NHL Network Weekly Highlight Schedule

Monday, April 5        On The Fly: Top Goals
Tuesday, April 6        On The Fly: Top Saves
Wednesday, April 7        On The Fly: Top Comebacks
On The Fly: Central Scouting Final Rankings Release
Nashville Predators at Phoenix Coyotes, 10 p.m. (U.S. only)
Thursday, April 8        On The Fly: Top Games
On The Fly: The Race to the Rocket
New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7:30 p.m. (U.S. only)
Friday, April 9        On The Fly: Top Surprises
Atlanta Thrashers at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. (Canada only)
Saturday, April 10        Hockey Night in Canada: Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m. (U.S. only)
Phoenix Coyotes at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. (U.S. only)
Sunday, April 11        Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders, 5 p.m. (Canada only)

About NHL Network
As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games.  The network’s daily signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans exclusive live look-ins to NHL games, including goals, shootouts, features, interviews, pre- and post-game reports and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players, plus special coverage from NHL events.  Additional programming includes simulcast of Sirius XM Radio’s “NHL Live” which broadcasts Mon-Fri from NHL Powered By Reebok, international and amateur hockey, player profiles, interview shows and youth-oriented programs.  NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable or satellite providers. For more information log on to nhlnetwork.com.

NHL NETWORK U.S. TO BROADCAST COYOTES VS. BLACKHAWKS
ON SATURDAY NIGHT

Broadcast of Sold-Out Game In Phoenix Coincides With Start of NHL Network Free Preview, Running March 20-27

New York, NY (March 19, 2010) – NHL Network U.S. will broadcast the Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks match-up Saturday, March 20 immediately following the conclusion of the Network’s Hockey Night In Canada telecast of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m. ET). Both telecasts are available in HD.

The puck will drop in front of a sold-out crowd in Phoenix’s Jobing.com Arena at 9 p.m. ET, as the red-hot Coyotes take aim at the Blackhawks and first overall in the NHL’s Western Conference.

This game is among the highlights of NHL Network’s free preview week in the U.S., running March 20-27.  With participating networks of the free preview including Comcast, DIRECTV, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, Cox and RCN Cable, NHL Network will be available in 60 million homes across the country.  Fans are encouraged to check their local listings for details.  This free preview is subject to participation cable or satellite providers.

The Chicago Blackhawks are four points away from posting their first consecutive 100-point seasons since 1970-1972. They are currently tied for the most points in the Western Conference, and currently lead the Central Division by 11 points, while closing in on the franchise’s first division title since winning the 1993 Norris Division.

The Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3 in a shootout on Thursday night to win their 44^th game of the season, marking the highest single-season win total in franchise history.  The previous franchise record for wins in a season was 43, set when the franchise played as the Winnipeg Jets in 1984-85.  Through 71 games this season, the Coyotes have compiled a record of 44-22-5 and are currently on a seven-game winning streak.

### (3/19/10)