I’m split on this being a good idea.

We all know there’s nothing like sitting rinkside to capture the speed and energy of the game. But it’s not an especially good spot for watching plays develop and getting big picture. I understand this format is only for a limited number of games, but for a game that a large portion of the US population already doesn’t understand, I’m afraid this is just going to make it harder to pick up on. With luck, the energy factor can help overcome that.

I’d also be a bit concerned that the flow of the game gets disrupted. There’s certain to be a whole lot of cuts between camera angles.

Still, can’t know for sure till it happens, and it would be interesting to watch a game in this format.

Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 10/11/08 at 10:15 AM ET

Nate, you are very diplomatic, I give you credit. I on the other hand flat out can’t stand rinkside view. I think it is a flawed idea that does not offer the spectator any real joy during the game.  Those special camera angles can come in handy during replays, but to watch the game live in that format is horrid.  I get dizzy the cameras change so much. And even the camera loses the puck half the time, how are we suppose to follow it? And you don’t see the plays develop because your view is so limited to a small area.

I hope whoever is the genius who came up with this idea or anybody that has decision making power, comes to their senses and gets rid of rinkside view and goes back to the traditional view from center ice higher up, where the whole game can be appreciated. Being rinkside at the rink is one experience, unfortunately, being rinkside through a camera lense is a whole different experience, and not an enjoyable one at that. 

My Ducks are playing right now, and as much as I wanted to watch them play, I had to turn my TV off because I could not take watching another minute of the rinkside view format. It’s like watching an auto accident, and asking myself if I’m the only one who recognizes there has been an accident.

Posted by Pete E from Anaheim, CA on 10/14/08 at 11:59 PM ET

Pete E is absolutely right!  I pay for NHL Center Ice so that I can see my Red Wings, and this “Rinkside View” that was used in LA is the WORST view ever!!!  You cannot follow the plays because of the limited views.  Even with the regular view, we wish they would STOP zooming in on a single player for this same reason.  This terrible viewpoint is why we always purchase seats that are row 10 or higher specifically to AVOID this view.  The decision makers have been improving the game, but this is the worst idea in a long time and should be abandoned immediately.

Posted by Phil W from Raleigh, NC on 10/28/08 at 05:26 PM ET

P.S. Everyone should complain at http://msn.foxsports.com/feedback and threaten to petition NHL Center Ice to boycott FSN if this broadcast method is continued.

Posted by Phil W from Raleigh, NC on 10/28/08 at 05:53 PM ET