Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Tonight, ESPN and their broadcast crew are facing major criticism from fans for their lack of knowledge and preparation for the Buffalo Sabres playoff game.
The Buffalo Sabres are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons and fans all over tuned in to see the historic moment.
Unfortunately for fans in the United States, they were stuck with an ESPN broadcast that did not live up to the moment.
ESPN faces backlash for lack of preparation ahead of Stanley Cup Playoffs
The problems began during an intermission segment involving Steve Levy, Mark Messier, and PK Subban.
The trio was discussing goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen when it was revealed none of the three analysts knew how to pronounce his name.
Steve Levy just challenged ESPN studio analysts Mark Messier and PK Subban to say the Sabres' goalie's name. Not SPELL it. Just SAY it. Neither could. The eff is going on around here?
As if that was not bad enough, the problems continued in the post game as rinkside reporter Leah Hextall completely disregarded the fact that Thompson was drafted by the St. Louis Blues and played a season with them before the trade to Buffalo.
This is a continued issue with ESPN since they took over NHL broadcasting as fans continue to share frustrations over not only the lack of knowledge but the style of broadcast as well.
With ESPN being a major network for the Stanley Cup Playoffs they will have to quickly get back on track to improve their reputation with fans.
Once the offseason commences, ESPN has to reconsider some of their on-air talent and really reinvest into their hockey broadcasts or risk losing the good faith of the fans going forward.
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