As to ESPN and ESPN2, other than it not being available in all markets, what is with the "Even if it was on ESPN2" comments? Is there really any difference between the two? And what difference did having the NHL on The Duce matter compared to the flag channel? I really don't remember there being any different or better coverage on one compared to the other - if they moved a game or NHL2Nite over to The Duce, did it really make any difference in coverage or production? The play-by-play didn't change, if anything they allowed more time for NHL2Nite on one channel compared to airing it on the other.
I was in a hotel a week ago (on vacation) and OLN was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND! I can't get OLN here and places like Anaheim can't either. Say what you want about ESPN 2 but they are in more homes than Versus. ESPN is also a much better platform in terms of the casual viewer. ESPN would boost coverage, even if it isn't up to par with the other sports, but I'm sure it would be more than present time. They would probably allow the NHL to advertise there too; overall it is much better than being on Versus... a channel no one cares to find.
I understand why people trash ESPN, but I also understand why ESPN probably could care less. However, the NHL back on ESPN is much better for the league going forward regardless, unless Versus steps up with MLB/NFL/NBA which increasingly seems less and less possible because it seems even those leagues don't want nothing to do with the Channel.