I wish the Sharks were in it but I can’t blame NBC for caring about ratings.
Yes you can.
In every other league, when teams are good, they get national tv games. When they suck, they don't with very limited exceptions. The Warriors never got on national TV until they started winning in 2015 and now are a mainstay. A few 15-20 win seasons and they'll be off natl tv. That's how you grow tv audiences. You always show the good teams, even if they are the Arizona Coyotes or San Jose Sharks. You don't just stick to the Northeast base. You don't have Buffalo in Jan 1 Winter Classic and the Kings have two Cups and haven't sniffed one. (and no the Consolation Classic does NOT count)
In the NHL, if the Coyotes win 5 Cups in a row, they still won't sniff a January 1 Winter Classic.
Hell the Sharks haven't been close to being considered to be in one, despite it starting in 08 and the Sharks having the following seeds for 08,09,10,11: 2,1,1,2. And no Pacific team has ever been in one, even as the road team.
In reg season, the Sharks have NEVER been on a single NBC national game of the week. Only twice were they on NBC regional coverage, once in 07 vs Kings and once in 12 vs Detroit. The only time the Sharks have been on NBC coast to coast is in the playoffs, and even then, usually only conference finals or SCF.
Legendary pbp guy Doc Emrick in all his NBC years only called Sharks 2016 SCF games and the SJ all star game. Otherwise he never called a Sharks game. Are you freaking kidding me?
So in a special season when the Sharks can't even play games in San Jose and there are two outdoor games in their television territory, I'm not buying that now, all of a sudden, it's a meritocracy for who gets nationally televised/special games. Not buying it AT ALL.
Can't wait for someone else to get the NHL TV contract. I know it may not be better with an alternative, but I know for certain it's not going to ever change as long as NBC is involved.