Last night, the Ottawa Senators lost Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals putting the Anaheim Ducks on the verge of clinching their first ever championship. But also, the game marked the US debut of Don Cherry on NBC. It was quite the teaming up with Cherry advocating fighting with NBC analyst Brett Hull and host Bill Clement just hanging on for the ride. Unlike his performances on CBC, Cherry was a bit more restrained, but his message about fighting was the same. In addition, Cherry who’s known for his outrageous suits wore a more conservative outfit. Cherry was a bit hoarse but it was nice to see him on US TV.
There are quite a few stories on Cherry. The Detroit Free Press enjoyed it. William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail says the ratings for CBC and French network, RDS are actually rising while NBC’s are down compared to last year. Larry Stewart of the LA Times says the expected fireworks between Cherry and Hull didn’t materialize. In Toronto Globe and Mail, Eric Duhatschek live blogs the appearance. The AP also had its own story. The Metro in Toronto has its story as well.
Onto to other stuff, Bob Raissman in the New York Daily News says ESPN and Fox glossed over the A-Rod affair.
Neil Best in New York Newsday has a story on New York Jets coach Eric Mangini who made an appearance on “The Sopranos” on Sunday. Best also has a couple of tidbits in his blog. On the Red Sox NESN broadcast late last night, Jerry Remy referenced to an incident between New York and Boston baseball writers during their semi-annual baseball game at Fenway on Sunday. Apparently, Red Sox Spanish radio announcer Uri Berenguer was beaned by Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record. Best writes about it. And Best has some comments made by 1050 ESPN Radio’s Michael Kay regarding WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog.
It appears the NBA will remain on current TV partners ESPN/ABC and TNT. Sports Media Watch says Disney and Turner will sign for a total of eight years.
Thursday is the day when ESPN2 televises the MLB Draft. Frank Burlison of the Long Beach Press-Telegram writes about one player who could be drafted.
Bob Wolfey of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says the Brewers’ hot start is garnering attention from ESPN and Fox.
George Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal has a profile on Fox Sports Net’s Chris Rose of the Best Damned Sports Show who is an unabashed Cleveland Cavs fan.
And to the TV front, Gail Shister of the Philly Inquirer says the CW is getting the younger viewers that advertisers crave.
That’s it for now. We’ll return later.
