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NBC doesn't think highly of '19-20 Sabres. Buffalo gets five spots on NBCSN |
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@boosbuzzsabres
Having only five nationally televised games this upcoming NHL season isn't really that big of a deal for Buffalo Sabres fans. It means they'll only have to turn off the TV volume and turn up the radio to hear broadcasting legend Rick Jeanerette less than a half-dozen times.
However, on the opposite side of the equation, having only five nationally televised games means that NBC doesn't have a lot of faith in the drawing power of the Sabres despite icing star-power in the likes of Jack Eichel, Jeff Skinner and a budding Rasmus Dahlin. Nor do they seem to have a lot of faith in a team that has the worst record in the NHL over the past six seasons finishing in last place three of the last seven seasons. Buffalo's 149-208-53 record from 2014-15 onward has come amidst front office turmoil, changes behind the bench and a roster that's on the verge of turning over once again under GM Jason Botterill.
With that kind of volatility, it's not surprising national exposure is being kept to a minimum for Buffalo's hockey team this season.
According to a press release, the following Sabres games will be broadcast on NBCSN (all times ET):
Friday, Nov. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, 2 p.m. (in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the NHL Global Series)
Tuesday, Dec. 10 vs. St. Louis, 7:30 p.m. (previously a 7 p.m. faceoff)
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 6 vs. Detroit, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Colorado, 8 p.m.