In late February, the NHL typically emerges from the quieter period of the regular season as teams start to ramp up their chase for playoff positions. This year, the excitement generated by the recent 4 Nations Face-Off has sparked optimism that hockey’s popularity will maintain its upward trajectory.
A significant test for hockey’s momentum arrives on Saturday night when ESPN broadcasts the Stadium Series event featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings, set against the backdrop of Ohio Stadium.
“This season feels noticeably different,” remarked ESPN’s Steve Levy, the host for the outdoor event. “The players involved in the 4 Nations or those merely spectators were invigorated. The NHL’s momentum is peaking at an opportune time, fueling enthusiasm for the concluding quarter of the season.”
Compelling narratives support this momentum, with Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin aiming to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 career goals, and the league’s trade deadline looming just a week away. Following these developments, ESPN has added seven games to its broadcast schedule, two of which will feature Ovechkin and the Capitals.
Linda Schulz, who oversees ESPN’s NHL production, commented, “Maintaining hockey’s traction extends interest and motivates us both internally and externally. From 4 Nations to Ovechkin and now to the Stadium Series, it’s an exceptional moment for us all.”
Location often elevates the significance of the Stadium Series, and this year’s game bears crucial weight in the Eastern Conference playoff landscape. Following a 5-2 win on Thursday night, Columbus finds itself tied with Detroit for the coveted first wild-card position. Both teams hold 66 points, maintaining a four-point advantage over Ottawa, Boston, and the New York Rangers.
The Red Wings have been absent from the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2016, while the Blue Jackets are competing in this race despite the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Adding to the game’s intrigue is the Ohio-Michigan rivalry, played out on the ice at Ohio Stadium, a venue well-suited for the NHL’s Stadium Series games given its lack of sideline space, bringing fans closer to the action.
Levy noted, “The NHL excels in selecting iconic venues, and ‘The Horseshoe’ epitomizes this. If you list the top five iconic college football stadiums, this would be among them, much like ‘The Big House’ in Michigan, which has also hosted a Stadium Series event.”
For this outdoor game, ESPN plans to utilize a drone for capturing distinctive views and experiment with innovative virtual graphics.
Though Canada’s 4-3 overtime victory over the United States in the 4 Nations final attracted a record-breaking 9.3 million viewers, Levy and ESPN are hopeful that this interest carries into the remainder of the season and on into the playoffs.
“We won’t retain everyone,” Levy acknowledged. “But to continue engaging the percentage of those fans thrilled by 4 Nations is crucial. Because in this sport, once we reach the Stanley Cup playoffs, fans tend to stick around regardless of which teams are playing due to the postseason’s electrifying nature.”
