So, which city is really Hockeytown, or should I say, Hockeytahn?  Pittsburgh, a much smaller city, with the game in their city and a giant screen TV for thousands outside the arena, had more households watching than Detroit.  But Detroit is Hockeytown USA???

Posted by Mike A. from DeForest, WI on 06/03/09 at 02:09 PM ET

Keep in mind that the game was also on Versus and many in Detroit don’t have access to the channel at home, or don’t have cable. Ratings don’t factor in how many people went out to sports bars to watch the game, so we’ll never really know, but it was an impressive showing in Pittsburgh nonetheless.

Posted by OHWingsFan40 from Oregon/Bowling Green, OH on 06/03/09 at 02:17 PM ET

Do we have to go through this b.s. AGAIN?

Just shut up about the trademark already.  It’s a marketing gimmick - nothing more.  Don’t get in a tizzy over it.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/03/09 at 02:18 PM ET

Also keep in mind that many people in Detroit might have preferred to watch the CBC broadcast instead of versus.  I know I certainly did.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/03/09 at 02:19 PM ET

Also keep in mind that many people in Detroit might have preferred to watch the CBC broadcast instead of versus.  I know I certainly did.

Me too, and I gave up HD!

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 06/03/09 at 02:20 PM ET

”  Also keep in mind that many people in Detroit might have preferred to watch the CBC broadcast instead of versus.  I know I certainly did.

Me too, and I gave up HD! “

Good point.  I would have done the same if I had the choice.

Posted by Mike A. from DeForest, WI on 06/03/09 at 02:26 PM ET

Keep in mind that the game was also on Versus and many in Detroit don’t have access to the channel at home

Bingo!

Pens fans thought for a bit they were the new ‘Hockeytown’.

So sorry.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 06/03/09 at 02:42 PM ET

I stream CBC online as opposed to watching Versus on my own television set. Same goes for NBC. I won’t watch hockey on those channels unless I absolutely have to.

Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 06/03/09 at 02:49 PM ET

Wings transplants who can’t afford the digital cable package to get CI and NHLN are stuck with Versus and NBC.  I know, I’m one of those people.  I miss CBC a lot but I gots to deal with what’s available here in Las Vegas and that’s Versus and NBC.  The other sports channels on the package I have is FSW (the Kings broadcast) and FSW-P (the Schmucks broadcast).

My other option is to go to the sportsbooks and/or sports bars and ask them if they can put the games on the screens.  More likely than not, it’s going to be the same channel I’m already getting at home.

So, yeah, if I had a choice of CBC or Versus/NBC, of course, I’d go with CBC as well along with everyone else in Detroit.

Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 06/03/09 at 03:06 PM ET

“ Also keep in mind that many people in Detroit might have preferred to watch the CBC broadcast instead of versus.  I know I certainly did.

My bet is that anyone that has access to CBC, watches it on CBC.
A scab that won’t heal is preferable to Versus or NBC.

Anyone know of CBC’s availability in Pittsburgh…?

I use a paysite to stream TSN and FSN on my computer, rather
than resort to NBC or Versus in HD,

I still think someone should look into how much Comcast stock Bettman wound up with for that Versus deal.  That NBC deal was a desperation move by little gary to save his job.

Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/03/09 at 03:14 PM ET

All I know is Detroit never had to play the “bankruptcy” game to keep the team in the city….twice I may add…When you have Mario Lemieux and Crosby and Malkin its easy to get people excited. But when they are all gone where will Pittsburgh be…..And let’s not forget Detoit has the Tiger, Pistons, Wings and Lions…basically Pitt has the Steelers in the fall and the Pens in the Spring. They have no other distractions..nobody considers the Pirates a major league team from what I see

Posted by kevin from boston on 06/03/09 at 03:15 PM ET

Have the choice between CBC and NBC, would watch NBC anyday, better announcers and commentary. Hughson, is the only decent guy on CBC and Hrudey if they would ever let him get away from Mclean would be OK.

Posted by Tero from Tacoma on 06/03/09 at 04:42 PM ET

Have the choice between CBC and NBC, would watch NBC anyday, better announcers and commentary. Hughson, is the only decent guy on CBC and Hrudey if they would ever let him get away from Mclean would be OK.

Posted by Tero from Tacoma on 06/03/09 at 05:42 PM ET

Who knew that you could find drive-through crack dealerships in Tacoma.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/03/09 at 06:08 PM ET

Saying you would rather watch NBC over CBC just may be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  NBC’s crew is horrible tripe.

Posted by yreland from Van Dieman's Land on 06/03/09 at 06:59 PM ET

Who knew that you could find drive-through crack dealerships in Tacoma

You live in Michigan and have the gonads to comment about Tacoma.  Should we compare quality of life issue on this board?  Try selling your 69k home to the laid off auto worker and we will see who wins that argument.

Posted by Tero from Tacoma on 06/03/09 at 08:44 PM ET

It wasn’t a crack specifically about crack - it was a reference to the fact that anyone who thinks that NBC is more informative about hockey than CBC must be on drugs to be so delusional.

My community is doing fine, thanks - so I couldn’t find a laid-off autoworker to sell my house to.  There is a lot more to Michigan than Detroit.

And why would I want to sell my house?  I much prefer it to living in an apartment.  Although it is kind if irritating having to mow the lawn and such.  Meh - minor inconveniences.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/04/09 at 06:36 AM ET