I think some people are missing the point. I am an American who loves hockey. The "no goal" game was much more devastating to me than all 4 Super Bowls combined (duh, guess where I was born and raised). But I agree with the general sentiment that "Americans don't care."
Is that sentiment all-inclusive? No. As I said, I'm American and I care. But the only thing networks care about is making money from advertisers, and the only thing advertisers care about are ratings. So, obviously networks will run programming that will bring in the most viewers so they can charge advertisers the most money. Beginning, middle, and end of story. If it made financial sense, trust me, they'd broadcast these games.
Am I upset at not being able to watch the games (for free)? Yes. But it's completely understandable from the networks' positions. Is it right that everything like this is based solely on profits? Probably not. Diversity and the advancement of unpopular ideas make life interesting. That's why little cult movies and indie rock bands are so great. So it certainly would be nice to be able to watch hockey. But make fun of poker and NASCAR all we want, the fact remains they get better ratings then hockey -- or at least the cost-of-production/ratings ratio is more inclined for them to make a profit. It's a no-brainer as far as the networks and ESPN go. (And please, no one go off on a "how can you say hockey is unpopular I like it" rant. Yes - I know, I love hockey too. We are passionate about our sport and probably love it more than a majority of football or baseball fans love their sports. But, in the grand scheme of things -- in America, at least -- we are a gigantic minority. So it sucks to be us.
So be livid. Be angry. Be pissed off. Complain and make yourselves (ourselves) be heard.
Just don't be surprised.
