Monday, April 14, 2008

BLACKED OUT???

For the past few days I've been going on and on about the recent start of the NHL Playoffs and how business has picked up due to the influx of new-found hockey fans. Word of mouth has spread about the fact that we're one of the only places in the city that actually cater to NHL hockey fanatics. If you're the National Hockey League, you would think this would be a good thing, since it's always ranked at the bottom of the "Big Four", the four major sports leagues in this country (NFL, MLB, NBA are ranked ahead of them in popularity). It's been a tall order to cultivate a hockey following but we can finally say that we're starting to see the fruits of our labor.

Last night at around 7pm, I go to set up the TV's for what should have been two pivotal games: NY RANGERS vs NJ DEVILS, and BOSTON BRUINS vs MONTREAL CANADIANS. I was expecting a good turnout for both games, especially the BRUINS/CANADIANS game; There had been a good turnout for these two teams in the prior games so there was no reason to expect anything less this time around.

I get the RANGERS/DEVILS game set up with no problem. They were scheduled to appear on the local MSG feed as well as Versus, the "official NHL national feed". I then go to set up the other game- I can't locate it. I search the usual range of hockey channels and I see a note that says: "Game unavailable in your area". "This can't be true- it must be a mistake", I'm thinking to myself. We're subscribed to the NHL Center Ice package, which entitles you to ALL games that aren't in your area. That meant I should have been able to get this game, since last time I looked on a map, Boston wasn't located in New York.

By this time, fans of both BOSTON and MONTREAL are streaming into the bar, looking around for their game. I find myself going into surprise mode, to shock mode, to sheer panic mode. I then do the only thing I could think of at that moment: Call Direct TV.

After dealing with a couple of morons on the phone for about 3o minutes, I was able to conclude that the National Hockey League AND Versus made the decision to black out the BOSTON/MONTREAL game in New York, so that it wouldn't compete with the NY RANGERS/NJ DEVILS game. Are you shitting me?? If you are going to black out a game outside of your area, what's the point in paying for a package that allows you to get ALL games if you in fact, can't get ALL games???

So now had to break the news to what was an anxious crowd of hockey fans. When told of what happened, you can imagine that some weren't very happy. Some accused me of showing favoritism towards the NY game; Others were just plain pissed at the NHL. One girl even started to cry. One thing I've noticed through all of this: Canadian hockey fans can be pretty intense. Most of them ended up leaving, pissed off and rightfully so. Some chose to stick around, hoping to get a glimpse of a highlight or two. Talk about passion.

As it turns out, both games were decided in overtime, with the DEVILS and the BRUINS both winning.

On another note, I had the pleasure of meeting two wonderful ladies last night; They were in town visiting the Big Apple for the weekend, while at the same time, having a mini-reunion. They were best friends in high school back in California many years ago; one got married and ended up settling in Maine of all places, while the other got married and remained in California. They stayed in touch throughout the years and finally decided to get together and made New York City the destination for the reunion. Very nice, outgoing and funny as hell. It was a pleasure meeting them!

TONIGHT: Ottawa vs Pittsburgh (w/audio), 7pm. Detroit vs Nashville 7:30, Colorado vs Minnesota, 10pm. DOLLAR DRAFT MADNESS ($1.00 Bud/Bud Light/Coors Light mugs ALL NIGHT LONG!), and $3.00 Molson Canadian Pints!


DON'T FORGET: This Wednesday, GORDIE HOWE FRAMED AUTOGRAPHED MOLSON JERSEY RAFFLE! All patrons in attendance on Wednesday will have a chance to win this beautiful framed piece, donated by MOLSON CANADIAN!


Nuff Said