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Between The Benches - In The Action
by Paul on 03/31/08 at 08:10 AM ET
Comments (4)
from Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star,
When the first TV producer decided to place a hockey analyst between the benches a few years back, the idea looked like it might end up high on the pointless ideas list, just behind the infamous glowing puck....
But this idea, used to great advantage by TSN and NBC, is proving to be one of the best broadcasting innovations since the advent of the second camera.
It was on display during yesterday’s Pittsburgh-New York Rangers game on NBC, with Pierre McGuire stationed between the benches and providing viewers with the kind of insights that only someone in that position could get.
Throughout the game, McGuire told viewers how the coaches were rotating their lines and even what players were saying to each other. When New York coach Tom Renney chastised his players for passing too much and not shooting enough, McGuire passed that on, too.
Filed in: NHL Teams, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL Media, Hockey Broadcasting | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
I actually find this a bit annoying when I watch.
I don’t need to know the coaches are chastising the players for overpassing if I’m doing the same thing!
I’m sure some of the coaches would much rather concentrate on their jobs than concoct sound bites in the midst of a game.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/31/08 at 10:25 AM ET
I like the way TSN does it better than NBC.
TSN uses the guy between the benches as the analyst, working with the play by play guy upstairs.
NBC uses it as a second analyst.
Hey, it beats a glowing puck.
Posted by Laker from Williams Lake BC on 03/31/08 at 10:43 AM ET
Just seen in on NBC, but that does sound better. Less yakking.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/31/08 at 10:55 AM ET
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One has to wonder how much the coaches like this.
They seem to put up with it… but he has the ability to share secrets etc.
I’ve noticed that some players are starting to put their gloves over their face when they speak now too. Much like in basketball… so that you can’t lip read etc.
Posted by Laker from Williams Lake BC on 03/31/08 at 10:20 AM ET