Posted by Don A. Belogen on May 14, 2009 at 13:43:41:
By the end of tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks will know who they will play in the NHL's Western Conference Finals. The Anaheim Ducks & Detroit Red Wings drop the puck on a winner-take-all Game 7 in their Western Semifinal series this eve at 6p on Versus, DIRECTV 603, from Joe Louis Arena. According to Ed Sherman in his "Business of Sports" blog at Chicagobusiness.com, Game 1 of the next series could be available for everyone to see on NBC as soon as Sunday. There is strong talk that "the Peacock" may bypass the Eastern Conference Final featuring superstar Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in favor of a possible Blackhawks/Red Wings' Western Final. The feeling is the Hawks/Wings' Western Conference Final, a matchup of 2 of the NHL's "Original 6" franchises could be a potential ratings bonanza, not just for NBC, but for its cable partner Versus as well. A potential Hawks' matchup with the Ducks won't be as sexy or attractive a West Final. NBC Sports & Versus officials privately are dreading a potential Ducks' matchup in the Stanley Cup Final with the Carolina Hurricanes, should they get by the Boston Bruins tonight in Game 7 of their Eastern Semifinal and send Mr. Crosby & the Penguins home for the summer in the Eastern Finals. A potential Ducks/Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Final would be a ratings disaster.