Carolina, National TV's Red-Headed Stepchild?

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TV schedules have come out today. And while the Canes do not receive the royal treatment given to Detroit, Colorado, Philly, and Boston(?!); they at least have some national games under their belt this upcoming season, unlike the Stanley Cup Finalist Edmonton Oilers...

OLN/Versus:

Anaheim - 3
Atlanta - 3
Boston - 8
Buffalo - 7
Calgary - 0
Carolina - 4
Chicago - 5
Colorado - 7
Columbus - 3
Dallas - 6
Detroit - 7
Edmonton - 0
Florida - 1
Los Angeles - 2
Minnesota - 4
Montreal - 3
Nashville - 1
New Jersey - 6
New York Islanders - 2
New York Rangers - 7
Ottawa - 0
Philadelphia - 7
Phoenix - 1
Pittsburgh - 7
San Jose - 6
St. Louis - 3
Tampa Bay - 2
Toronto - 1
Vancouver - 0
Washington - 2
Beverly Hills - 90210

NBC:

Anaheim - 1
Atlanta - 2
Boston - 4
Buffalo - 1
Calgary - 0
Carolina - 2
Chicago - 3
Colorado - 3
Columbus - 3
Dallas - 4
Detroit - 4
Edmonton - 0
Florida - 0
Los Angeles - 2
Minnesota - 0
Montreal - 0
Nashville - 0
New Jersey - 3
New York Islanders - 2
New York Rangers - 4
Ottawa - 0
Philadelphia - 4
Phoenix - 0
Pittsburgh - 4
San Jose - 2
St. Louis - 2
Tampa Bay - 1
Toronto - 0
Vancouver - 0
Washington - 1
Hawaii - 50

Bolded Teams Who Do Not Surprise Me:

Buffalo (OLN - 7 games strong, NBC - 1) - The "New America's Team" love fest is officially on, boys and girls, at least on OLN. Something told me during this year's Eastern Conference Finals that all the Sword hype/butt-kissing then was *just* the beginning...at least they only have one NBC game.

Carolina (OLN - 4 games strong, NBC - 2) - A note to my Caniac brethren: Did you *really* think getting the Cup would finally get our team as much media respect as the Dead Things? As much as I crave (and also feel we deserve) such glory, at the same time, I figured we would be lucky to get at least two OLN/Versus and/or NBC games in 2006-07. And since we got at least twice that many, to say that is not bad is an understatement...especially considering that the Canes got one more NBC game than Buffalo.

Colorado (OLN - 7 games strong, NBC - 3) - Nothing to see here, move along.

Dallas (OLN - 6 games strong, NBC - 4) - See what I said about Colorado.

Detroit (OLN - 7 games strong, NBC - 4) - See what I said about Dallas.

New Jersey (OLN - 6 games strong, NBC - 3) - See what I said about Detroit. Also remember: They always get a lot of national games 'CAUSE THEY'RE THE DEVILS(!!!).

New York Rangers (OLN - 7 games strong, NBC - 4) - See what I said about New Jersey, save the "'CAUSE THEY'RE THE DEVILS!!!" comment.

Philadelphia (OLN - 7 games strong, NBC - 4) - See what I said about the New York Rangers.

Bolded Teams Who Do Surprise Me:

Boston (OLN - EIGHT FREAKIN' GAMES strong, NBC - FOUR FREAKIN' GAMES) - What. The. Hell?! The Teddybears are slated to royally suck this year. Somebody or some people at OLN/Versus and/or NBC must either be HUGE B's fans and/or are, for some wacky-butt reason, delighted that Raycroft and/or Thornton are gone. Either one of those, or some *really awesome*(?) drugs are getting passed around those networks' headquarters.

Chicago (OLN - 5 games strong, NBC - 3) - While it may not be eight OLN/Versus games and four NBC games, five and three are still an awful lot for that pathetic bunch in the city that's like a shiny toy. Not to mention how "Dollar" Bill Wirtz does not need any more incentive to keep his mitts tight around the once legendary team.

Columbus (OLN - 3 games strong, NBC - 3) - What got C-Bus here are those three NBC games...making them "as good" as Colorado and New Joysey.

Edmonton (OLN - 0 games strong, NBC - 0) - I thought this was the team worthy of the Cup because of Gretzky and all having won it a ton all those years ago...what's wrong OLN/Versus and NBC? Don't feel like hyping those high and mighty Oilers with their opera singer anthem belter and Batcave-like locker room entrance? Not even for one game? I'm surprised, but I am not complaining.

Ottawa (OLN - 0 games strong, NBC - 0) - I know, I know...the Spartacus' are based in Canada, not the good ol' US of A. AND they are one of those dreaded small market teams...well for a Canadian small market, the Sens have consistently produced an entertaining team. Therefore making their not having at least one or two national games *just a little* blasphemous.

Pittsburgh (OLN - 7 games strong, NBC - 4) - Having the Pens being my second faves, I am actually thrilled to see them have quite a few national games this upcoming season. But, I honestly don't know whether to be surprised or not surprised...despite the presence of the Crosby Show, I am leaning towards the former because of the not-so good last season the Pengies had.

San Jose (OLN - 6 games strong, NBC - 2) - Holy crap...a small market team, AND in the southern half of the nation, getting SIX OLN games? There may be hope yet...though, I think having a certain someone named Joe Thornton helped a little in this case.

My overall take: I think the Canes could have gotten a worst end of the national stick. And really, they did not need a lot of national love/hype last season...who says they need it this season?

Current Music: "It's All About the Pentiums" by "Weird Al" Yankovic