Which NHL broadcasts are the best? Fans rated all 32 teams ·

07 Jun 2024, 00:00

This was an interesting season for local NHL broadcasts and it was the final one for some notable names that have been the voices of franchises for decades.

It also led to some major shakeups in our annual broadcast survey for hockey fans, and more than 5,000 of you shared your opinions on your favorite team’s broadcast and others around the league. This edition of the survey also marks the first time fans were able to judge the broadcasts based on a full 82-game regular season.

The end result is this list, which ranks the local broadcasts from 32 to 1 (hello, Seattle), and follows up the project from 2020 and 2021.

For our methodology, we asked fans to rank their favorite team’s broadcast on a scale from 1 to 5 and as many other broadcasts as they would like on the same scale.

We then averaged out those results for local and national scores, and teams were assigned a national and local rank, which was averaged out for our composite score. This was far from scientific, and some teams had higher representation than others, but in the end, it provides a snapshot of how fans across the league view and rate those calling the games.

32. Arizona Coyotes

The broadcast: Bally Sports carries Coyotes games with Matt McConnell on play-by-play and Tyson Nash doing color.

Local ranking: 31

National: 31

Last season: 28

The results: Frankly, it was surprising that the Boston Bruins didn’t end up in this spot, and we expected the Jack Edwards national discourse to once again drag the NESN broadcast to the bottom.

But the timing of our survey, combined with Nash’s recent unflattering comments about Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras created a perfect storm that tanked the Arizona broadcast in the local and national rankings.

“Generally pretty fun, but they have such an old school hockey mindset that gets really annoying,” one Coyotes fan wrote.

Others were much, much more direct in their anger and criticism of Nash. One respondent noted that Nash and Edwards should do a game together when the Bruins and Coyotes play next season so their respective partners could get a break.

Others pointed to the dark, almost blue, hue of the broadcast as distracting and noted their hope that it would improve when the Coyotes move to their new arena on Arizona State’s campus next season.

The bottom line: Notoriety isn’t good for a broadcast, and the Coyotes crew that already had some detractors picked up some more negative reviews because of recent statements on the air.

31. Anaheim Ducks

The broadcast: Bally Sports carries Ducks games with John Ahlers on play-by-play and Brian Hayward on color.

Local ranking: 32

National: 28

Last season: 25

The results: The Ducks broadcast was the only one where national results had a higher average score than within the local market. National respondents gave the Ducks broadcast an average score of 2.86, still low, while Ducks fans rated the broadcast a 2.45 on average.

Many Ducks fans and national respondents looked at Hayward’s commentary as the reason for assigning a lower grade.

“Hayward is incredibly biased although he has improved a lot in recent years,” one Anaheim fan wrote. “I would rather hear objective analysis than having him pumping the tires of our players whether they are doing well or not.”

“Too much discussion of heart and grit, way too much,” another wrote.

This was another common theme. While the Ducks had one of the NHL’s most exciting stories and players this season in Zegras, the lack of enthusiasm around him from the broadcast booth was notable for viewers.

The bottom line: For a struggling team on the ice, the broadcast isn’t doing it any favors to bring in new viewers.

30. Boston Bruins

The broadcast: New England Sports Network (NESN) carries Bruins games with Jack Edwards doing play-by-play and Andy Brickley doing color.

Local ranking: 23

National: 32

Last season: 31

The results: We expected the Bruins to finish last in this ranking since that’s where they’ve landed in prior years, but Boston actually moved up two spots thanks to support from local viewers, while the Ducks and Coyotes were tanked by their respective home fanbases.

The Bruins broadcast is historically the most notorious one in the league. Edwards is an attention-grabbing play-by-play voice who sprinkles in his opinions more than most in his role.

As we’ve written in past years, it’s hard to truly judge the Bruins broadcast because of its reputation. One respondent filled out their ballot stating, “I don’t know how to pick the best, but I know the Bruins are the worst.”

There really isn’t a middle ground on the Bruins broadcast or Edwards’ approach. You either hate it, or you are a Bruins fan who loves it.

The bottom line: As surprising as it was that the Bruins didn’t finish last, it’ll be interesting to see what happens next season we do this exercise again.

29. Columbus Blue Jackets

The broadcast: Bally Sports Ohio carries Blue Jackets games, with Jeff Rimer on play-by-play and Jody Shelley doing color.

Local ranking: 28

National: 26

Last season: 29

The results: Rimer’s career is well-respected by Blue Jackets fans but the barrage of comments about his play-by-play work slipping as he gets older was overwhelming.

“He’s a legend, the only play-by-play guy in franchise history, but his calls have continued to slip each season,” said a Columbus fan. “Misidentifying players, exaggerating plays, missing key game action, and slow calls during fast moments have become common on broadcasts. He rarely has massive failures in his calls, but after 20+ years, his style has gotten a little grating as opposed to endearing.”

Some fans also complained that the production quality in terms of audio and sync hasn’t been as consistent since the Bally rebrand last year.

Shelley is a bright spot in the color position, drawing rave reviews for the work he does when he’s between the benches, but that alone can’t save this broadcast.

The bottom line: Columbus’ play-by-play call is one of the most poorly rated in the league, something that strong color commentary can’t save.

28. Colorado Avalanche

The broadcast: Altitude carries Avalanche games with Marc Moser on play-by-play and Peter McNab on color.

Local ranking: 24

National: 29

Last season: 23

The results: The Avalanche broadcast lays it on strong, Moser in particular, and that energy can be divisive. It was hard to find someone with a neutral opinion of the Colorado broadcast.

“Moser is fantastic, his energy infectious. McNab is a pro’s pro, great insight. Keefe and Rycroft in the studio make pregames worth watching,” an Avalanche fan wrote.

“They think their broadcast is silly slapstick zaniness but it’s mostly incredibly annoying and transparently team PR narratives,” another Avs fan said.

Another thing that frustrates Colorado fans, which was reflected in these results, is how games have been hard to find locally because of carriage disputes involving Altitude, which is also owned by Avalanche (and Denver Nuggets) owner Stan Kroenke.

Outside of Colorado, where it’s easier to watch the Avs regional broadcast on ESPN+, the product takes a hit. National fans tend to view it as the second Avalanche fan we quoted above — too zany and unkempt, and trying too hard to be over the top.

The bottom line: It’s an acquired taste of a broadcast. You either find it fun or annoying.

27. Pittsburgh Penguins

The broadcast: AT&T SportsNet carries Penguins games, with Steve Mears doing play-by-play and Bob Errey doing color.

Local ranking: 22

National: 30

Last season: 26

The results: Pittsburgh’s broadcast has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league and this year’s no different. There weren’t any particular issues with play-by-play voice Steve Mears, who was described by local fans with words like “fine” and “decent.” Penguins fans said he’s solid with his commentary but a bit bland and lacking sufficient energy for big moments.

“I feel like the addition of Steve Mears in the last few years has been good, but the broadcast is still on the homer side (even for a local broadcast) and they’re pretty slow to include any metrics I’ve seen from other local broadcasts (shots, TOI),” said one Penguins fan.

The homer complaints were routinely directed toward Errey, the color man.

“He gets a bit amped up at certain points and speaks more so as a fan than a commentator,” wrote another Pens fan. “Passion is certainly welcome, but it has to be based on solid analysis. Being excited while keeping a level head and correctly analyzing the play is the difference between a broadcaster and a fan who lets their favoritism cloud their judgment when speaking on what happens on the ice.”

The bottom line: Solid but dull play-by-play is received fine, but the color commentary lacks insight and even Penguins fans can’t overlook the homerism.

26. Nashville Predators

The broadcast: Bally Sports South carries Predators games, with Willy Daunic on play-by-play and Chris Mason doing color.

Local ranking: 25

National ranking: 25

Last season: 30

The results: The Predators broadcast improved in our rankings this year to a more expected range after being ranked 21st two years ago. Part of that is the fact Bally Sports broadcasts weren’t as blasted this season by respondents because of things outside of the broadcaster’s control. Fans had previously complained in the survey about the availability of Bally Sports, for instance.

The Predators broadcast, to its credit, doesn’t hide what it is. It’s a pro-Nashville approach in a non-traditional hockey market. Mason has no issue waving the flag for the Predators, which many respondents pointed to when filling out their rating.

“Every penalty isn’t a penalty against the Preds, all goals against are bad bounces,” one Predators fan wrote. “I’d like those to be critically broken down a bit more, but when Predators are winning or score, it’s a fun broadcast.”

“Even if he makes me cringe sometimes, I still find I learn something from Mason on goaltending,” wrote another.

There is still a push from some Predators fans to bring Pete Weber back from radio to TV, but overall Daunic has started to win more support in the market.

The bottom line: Mason and Daunic have good chemistry and know what they are doing, it’s just a question of whether you like the approach or not.

25 . Toronto Maple Leafs

The broadcast: Sportsnet carries Leafs games with Chris Cuthbert doing play-by-play and Craig Simpson doing color. TSN is the secondary Leafs carrier with Gord Miller doing play-by-play and Ray Ferraro doing color.

Local ranking: 29

National: 21

Last season: 22

The results: The Maple Leafs broadcast is hard to get a full read on sometimes because the rights are split between Sportsnet and TSN, and Leafs games, according to fans, often have the feel of a national game rather than local. And there is often some distaste for the amount of attention the Leafs get by other Canadian markets, which can help skew ratings in this exercise.

“It depends on which broadcast has the game,” one Maple Leafs fan wrote. “If it’s Sportsnet it’s a 1, if it’s TSN it’s a 5.”

“TSN is a 4, Sportsnet is a 2,” another wrote. “Average it out to a 3.”

This was common. Leafs fans, in general, seemed to prefer the TSN broadcast, noting the Sportsnet broadcast felt too national at times and TSN at least gave a more local feel to the broadcast.

Either way, most complaints about the broadcast in Toronto come from the approach by analysts or studio shows, with the play-by-play providing a solid foundation no matter the network.

“With Chris Cuthbert doing every game on Sportsnet and Gord Miller doing every game on TSN, Leafs fans are spoiled with the talent in the booth,” one Leafs fan wrote.

The bottom line: Because of split rights and perceived bias one way or the other, Leafs fans have a complicated relationship with the broadcast of their favorite team.

24. Carolina Hurricanes

The broadcast: Bally Sports South carries Hurricanes games, with Mike Maniscalco on play-by-play and Tripp Tracy on color commentary.

Local ranking: 30

National: 17

Last season: 13

The results: Carolina’s broadcast was once the gold standard, ranking No.1 in the league two years ago. It slipped out of the top-10 last year, though, and has tumbled all the way to 24th this time around. The precipitous decline boils down to one reason: The departure of beloved play-by-play caller John Forslund.

“I’m probably one of many Canes fans to say this exact thing but losing John Forslund instantly turned Carolina from one of the best to one of the worst broadcasts,” said one Carolina fan. “I’m not trying to be mean, but Mike Maniscalco just straight up doesn’t have the voice to be calling NHL games professionally.

“When the team scores the call should be exhilarating but Maniscalco doesn’t have the voice to make it exciting. As a result, even though the team has been great, I’ve watched a lot less the past two years than I did before.”

The bottom line: Letting Forslund go was a mistake.

23. Chicago Blackhawks

The broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago carries Blackhawks games with Pat Foley handling play-by-play and Eddie Olzcyk handling color commentary.

Local ranking: 15

National: 27

Last season: 5

Results: It was a weird season for the Blackhawks broadcast. Foley was in his final season but only did a partial schedule so it was a rotating cast of characters in the play-by-play chair including Mike Moncao, Stephen Nelson, Chris Voster, and John Wiedman.

As far as Foley goes, many in Chicago were sad to see him go and were nostalgic about his career calling games in Chicago.

“Ever since Doc (Emrick) retired, there’s nobody better in the league than Pat Foley. Hawks broadcasts won’t be the same after he calls his last game,” one Chicago fan wrote. “I grew up listening to Pat call home games on the radio because management wouldn’t broadcast home games on television. I’m going to miss his laugh, his insight, and definitely his banter with Edzo. I only wish he would’ve been able to call more games in his final season.”

“Farewell to the Legend Pat Foley. He will be missed.”

He clearly was missed already this season when he wasn’t on the broadcast.

“Loved Pat Foley but this year the parade of auditioning broadcasters decreased the quality significantly.”

“The season-long rotation of ‘auditioning broadcasters’ was a disaster.”

The bottom line: Foley is going to be a tough act to follow in Chicago as the broadcast looks for some new long-term stability with its next play-by-play hire. That role has gone to Chris Vosters, who the Blackhawks announced as Foley’s replacement in April.

22. Calgary Flames

The broadcast: Sportsnet carries Flames games, with Rick Ball on play-by-play and Kelly Hrudey and Cassie Campbell-Pascall rotating on color.

Local ranking: 26

National: 16

Last season: 24

The results: Flames broadcasts have consistently ranked in the bottom third of the league without falling all the way to the basement — they’ve ranked between 22nd and 25th in three consecutive years. There is potential, starting with Ball’s clean, unbiased delivery as the play-by-play voice and Ryan Leslie directing traffic as the host. The praise for both was practically universal.

“I’d put both of them near the top of the NHL at their respective positions,” wrote one Flames fan.

Most fans rated Hrudey as a quality color partner for Ball too, noting that the two have developed nice chemistry.

The vast majority of negative ratings cited Campbell-Pascall’s shifts on color, noting that the role doesn’t suit her strengths.

“I believe that she does a decent job when she is an analyst between periods on Hockey Night in Canada,” responded a Flames fan. “She is very knowledgeable, but she simply is not cut out for being a color commentator.”

Complaints around Campbell-Pascall centered around the notion that her commentary gets repetitive and that she leans too often on crutch phrases.

Eric Francis, a regular intermission panelist, remains a polarizing figure as well, but there was significantly less criticism about him compared to last year — perhaps that’s a reason why Calgary’s broadcast moved up a couple of spots this year.

The bottom line: Excellent play-by-play call and a popular in-game host gives this broadcast potential, but a couple of polarizing figures bring them down.

T-20. Winnipeg Jets

The broadcast: TSN carries Jets games with Dennis Beyak doing play-by-play and Kevin Sawyer doing color.

Local ranking: 27

National: 14

Last season: 12

The results: Like past years, the Jets broadcast continues to get high praise outside of Winnipeg but mixed reviews within its own market. Beyak, who just retired after 11 seasons calling the Jets, was widely considered the strength of the broadcast for both local and national fans.

“Winnipeg is lucky to have someone as high quality as Denis Beyak call its games,” one Jets fan wrote.

Beyak’s successor will have big shoes to fill, while his departure will also put more of a spotlight on Sawyer, who was harshly scored by most respondents.

“Kevin Sawyer insults Jets fans every game by trying to tell us what we are seeing on the screen with our own eyes is a good play. We are Winnipeg hockey fans, we aren’t stupid.” one fan wrote.

The bottom line: There will be a change in the booth next season, but not the change that fans in Winnipeg were looking for.

T-20. New Jersey Devils

The broadcast: MSG Plus carries Devils broadcasts, with Steve Cangialosi handling play-by-play and Ken Daneyko on color commentary.

Local ranking: 17

National: 24

Last season: 19

The results: MSG’s Devils broadcast has ranked 19th or 20th every year we’ve done this exercise — it’s a staple in the mushy middle. Cangialosi stepped down from his post at the end of the season, so the Devils have a tall task ahead in replacing the well-regarded broadcaster.

“Cangy is one of the most underrated play-by-play guys in the league — he probably doesn’t get as much recognition just because of the Devils’ market and state of the team,” said one fan. “But he’s always engaged and keeping things exciting, and especially compared to the crusty old-timers you get in other markets, he’s a refreshing listen. Replacing Doc was always going to be a tall order, but he’s done very respectable work.”

After stepping away from from the booth, @CangyManMSG shares an open letter.

Thank you for everything, Cangy!

📰: https://t.co/L8VHZa4JBu pic.twitter.com/AV9msBCqvw

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) May 23, 2022

Daneyko’s a team legend but feedback on him was mixed, with some fans complaining the analysis is outdated, too old school, and lacking in insight beyond what viewers already see in the footage.

Intermission analyst Bryce Salvador continued being highlighted by fans for his very detailed and informative breakdowns.

The bottom line: Well-liked play-by-play call and insightful intermission work from Salvador, but the color commentary is dated and dry in the eyes of some viewers.

19. San Jose Sharks

The broadcast: NBC Sports California carries Sharks games, with Randy Hahn on play-by-play, Bret Hedican primarily doing color and Drew Remenda occasionally filling in for color.

Local ranking: 18

National: 22

Last season: 10

The results: Once regarded as one of the best productions in hockey, the NBC Sharks broadcast has seen a significant decline in these rankings. San Jose’s broadcast fell from 6th to 10th last year and has now tumbled all the way to 19th. In the past, Sharks fans praised the broadcast for catering to local fans and yet not drifting too far into homer territory. This year, the scale tipped too far for many viewers.

“Some of it may be ownership imposed, but the Sharks broadcast is painfully biased to the point where I willingly watch the other team’s broadcast frequently,” said a Sharks fan. “Every minor infraction against a teal skater is an egregious missed call per Bret Hedican. The intermission discussions are stale and the constant defense of the overpaid veterans is exhausting.”

Hahn remains a nostalgic, popular voice and was the saving grace in the eyes of many fans for his more balanced approach.

“I would consider Randy Hahn a bright spot. He has a strong cadence and is widely associated with Sharks hockey for good reason,” continued the Sharks fan. “He’s been there for the highs of the franchise (as well as the early, early low days) and you can visibly tell he has a realistic perspective of the current on-ice product. I also appreciate his willingness to compliment and appreciate the opposition when it’s deserved.”

The bottom line: Hahn is still popular but the color commentary is criticized for being too homerish with takes that don’t resonate with local fans.

18. Philadelphia Flyers

The broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia carries Flyers games, with Jim Jackson handling play-by-play and Keith Jones serving as the primary analyst.

Local ranking: 14

National: 23

Last season: 20

The results: NBC’s Flyers broadcast has routinely ranked middle of the pack in these rankings and the same is true this year. Philadelphia’s always gotten more love locally than it has nationally and for Flyers fans, this is still an above-average product.

“Jim Jackson and Keith Jones have a great dynamic relationship in the booth,” read one response. “When things are going great for the Flyers they obviously have great commentary, but when things are bleak like this season they know how to balance the broadcast with humor, insight on the young players being called up, and even insight on opposing teams. They have no issues acknowledging opposing teams’ strengths and pointing out the Flyers’ issues. They’ve been our broadcast team for a long, long time and it’s still top tier broadcasting.”

Host Taryn Hatcher was also widely praised both locally and nationally: “Super smart, knows the players + the team well, and never hosts an awkward show or interview.”

The bottom line: NBC’s Flyers broadcast is still rated quite well locally.

17. Edmonton Oilers

The broadcast: Sportsnet carries Oilers games, with Jack Michaels doing play-by-play and Louie DeBrusk doing color.

Local ranking: 19

National: 15

Last season: 16

The results: Michaels’ arrival as the new voice of the Oilers last year singlehandedly catapulted a broadcast that used to rank near the bottom to around league average. Sportsnet’s Oilers broadcast leaped 10 spots last year, which was the second-largest year-over-year improvement across the league. Edmonton’s standing has held steady this year, which is impressive considering how challenging it can be for new TV play-by-play voices to become as familiar and popular as their predecessors.

“The addition of Jack Michaels to the Sportsnet broadcast team has been one of the greatest moves made by the network in some time,” said one Oilers fan. “Jack is arguably one of the most entertaining and professional play-by-play announcers in the league, and he and Louie keep the game interesting and fun even when there might not be a lot going on.”

Michaels’ boisterous, energetic style definitely isn’t everybody’s cup of tea — some find his commentary style over the top — but he has far more supporters than detractors. Fans like DeBrusk’s chemistry with him too.

What holds this broadcast back from the top of the league are numerous complaints about a lack of compelling analysis in both the color commentary and intermission panels, which lean too often on platitudes and old-school hockey cliches.

The bottom line: Michaels’ passionate play-by-play calling is a hit and fans like his chemistry with DeBrusk but the broadcast lacks informative, modern analysis.

16. Los Angeles Kings

The broadcast: Bally Sports West carries Kings games, with Alex Faust on play-by-play and Jim Fox doing color.

Local ranking: 13

National: 18

Last season: 11

The results: Speaking of relatively new play-by-play voices, Faust continued to garner strong reviews from fans both locally and nationally. Faust had massive shoes to fill in 2017 when legend Bob Miller retired. The bar was set extremely high, and replacing a fan favorite can be a nearly impossible endeavor, but Faust’s slick, clean delivery earned plenty of recognition.

“Faust with the Kings is one of the best young pxp out there. ESPN should get him. (He’d) instantly make them better behind the mic,” said a MinnesotaWild fan, one of many out-of-market viewers to suggest he deserves consideration for national calls.

Fox is equally popular, especially among Kings fans. He’s one of the rare color commentators that’s been praised for his ability to add genuine insight to replays.

“Fox blends astute analysis with quick-witted humor and is the true star of the show,” read one ballot from L.A.

Bally’s studio/intermission work received mixed reviews and caused some fans to dock points.

The bottom line: Professional, insightful commentary duo could be bolstered with upgraded studio analysis.

15. Vegas Golden Knights

The broadcast: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain carries Golden Knights games, with Dave Goucher on play-by-play and Shane Hnidy doing color.

Local ranking: 11

National: 19

Last season: 2

The results: AT&T’s Golden Knights coverage was an instant hit and ranked second-best in the league last year but slipped to No.15 this time around, the second-largest year-over-year decline of all broadcasts. The local ratings are still very strong, but Vegas’ broadcast fell from being ranked third in the league by out-of-market fans all the way down to 19th.

When you sort through the national ballots, however, there was actually very little negative feedback. In fact, there are still tons of out-of-market hockey fans who gave shoutouts to Goucher and Hnidy for their unbiased and insightful commentary. The lower out-of-market ratings, which are responsible for the substantial drop in the overall rankings, often appeared irrelevant to the broadcast itself. One Western Conference fan rated Vegas’ broadcast a 1 for the sole reason that they disliked Golden Knights fans.

The vast, vast majority of ballots with thoughtful, substantial answers had tons of appreciation for this broadcast.

In other words, don’t let the ratings fool you — this is still a top-class TV production. Everything from the play-by-play call, to the color commentary to Darren Millard’s studio work, continued to receive high compliments.

The bottom line: Excellent all-around broadcast with lower out-of-market ratings that look more like noise rather than signal.

14. Minnesota Wild

The broadcast: Bally Sports North carries Wild games, with Anthony LaPanta on play-by-play. Lou Nanne, Wes Walz, Gigi Marvin, and Ryan Carter rotate on color.

Local ranking: 21

National: 8

Last season: 27

The results: The Wild went from a bottom-tier broadcast in the prior two editions of this exercise (29th in 2020 and 27th in 2021) to a top-15 ranking in 2022.

LaPanta took some body shots from Wild fans in the past but seems to have turned a corner with the fan base embracing his call a bit more.

“Very good play-by-play by LaPanta. Don’t agree with his unrelenting positive outlook even when unwarranted, but his play-by-play is top tier,” one Wild fan wrote.

The rotating color commentators tend to have split opinions. Many, particularly those in the market find it a bit confusing and lacking chemistry. Others have accepted it as their norm and actually used that as a reason to give LaPanta more praise.

Overall the Wild broadcast gets marks for finding the fine line between being critical and being homers, according to respondents.

The bottom line: This is a broadcast that is growing and gaining more shine, but needs to figure out a more solid analyst schedule to move up and out of the middle of the pack.

13. Montreal Canadiens

The broadcast: TSN carries Canadiens games with Bryan Mudryk and Dan Robertson rotating play-by-play, and Mike Johnson, Dave Poulin and Craig Button rotating on color.

Local ranking: 16

National: 12

Last season: 14

The results: Yes, we heard the overarching response that many fans in Montreal watch the game in French and on RDS. We also heard the call for having that included in future rankings. We will think about that, loop in our Montreal writers, and try to find a better fit to represent that in the next edition of this survey.

Whichever language you prefer, the Canadiens broadcast performs well locally and nationally, according to our respondents.

These comments summed it up pretty well.

“Pierre Houde and Marc Denis are great,” one Canadiens fan wrote. “If I watch in English, Bryan Mudryk and Dave Poulin do a very good job as well.”

“I feel spoiled as a fan for having either Houde-Denis on RDS or Mudryk-Johnson on TSN2,” another said. “You feel their absence when national broadcasts have Habs games.”

“TSN crew is A1. RDS / Pierre Houde is by far the best team in the NHL. Every aspiring broadcaster should listen to Houde call a game, even if they don’t understand French but to understand ‘moments’ which Pierre Houde so beautifully does,” a third said.

The bottom line: We will be better about finding a way to split the English and French broadcasts for review in the next version of this. Either way, the Canadiens are represented well no matter the language.

12. Buffalo Sabres

The broadcast: MSG Western New York carries Sabres games with Rick Jeanneret and Dan Dunleavy splitting play-by-play, and Rob Ray and Martin Biron splitting analyst duties.

Local ranking: 20

National: 5

Last season: 21

The results: Jeanneret called his final game for Buffalo this season, adding another big name to the list of longtime local broadcasters who won’t be featured in this space next season.

Jeanneret’s final season curried the Buffalo broadcast considerable favor in the national rankings, with fans from outside Buffalo taking time to give lifetime achievement comments for the broadcaster.

“Rick Jeanneret and company are the best in the league,” a national fan wrote in.

Dunleavy also scores well with the Buffalo audience, while the overall Buffalo broadcast is more passable than the team has been on the ice in recent years.

“Spoiled to have had Rick Jeanneret on PxP after all these years of fandom,” a Sabres fan wrote. “Dan Dunleavy has been good. Really enjoy Brian Duff and Marty Biron’s pre, post, and intermission hosting.”

The bottom line: Even with a longtime voice retiring, a solid broadcast should be able to reload alongside a team that is also rebuilding.

11. New York Islanders

The broadcast: MSG Plus carries Islanders broadcasts, with Brendan Burke handling play-by-play and Butch Goring serving as color analyst.

Local ranking: 2

National: 20

Last season: 1

The results: Burke continues to be a star on the Islanders broadcast.

“Brendan Burke calls the game extremely well,” said an Isles fan. “He knows when to get excited like the great Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick. Brendan makes you feel like you’re on a national telecast, but still knowing you’re watching an Islander game.”

“I live in constant fear of the day that we finally lose Brendan Burke to full-time national broadcasting,” commented another Islanders fan.

There was even a Rangers fan who said he’ll tune in to the Islanders broadcast just to hear Burke.

New York’s broadcast fell from its No.1 ranking last year but it’s not for a lack of local love where it still ranked No.2 in the league. The drop largely came from a decline in out-of-market reviews, with some fans annoyed by Goring’s homer bias.

Host Shannon Hogan, A.J. Mleczko, and Anson Carter, a new addition, also drew lots of compliments.

The bottom line: Burke’s elite play-by-play voice leads a strong all-around broadcast that resonates especially well locally.

10. Washington Capitals

The broadcast: NBC Sports Washington carries Capitals games, with Joe Beninati handling play-by-play and Craig Laughlin handling color commentary.

Local ranking: 7

National: 13

Last season: 10

The results: The NBC Capitals broadcast landed just inside the top-10 for a second consecutive year. The longtime duo of Beninati and Laughlin have mastered the art of providing an intimate, hyper-local experience without being too biased.

“Joe B and Locker are a big part of why I’m a Caps fan,” read one ballot. “The passion, joy, and humor they bring to every broadcast makes me feel like we’re hanging out together on the couch watching the game. Their chemistry is gold and their balance of funny anecdotes and game commentary is spot on.”

Laughlin is well-liked but Beninati is the real star of this show — there wasn’t a single local vote critical of the latter, which is very impressive considering the sample size of these ballots. The studio work in terms of pregame, postgame, and intermission content wasn’t described as adding much value so that’s an area to improve on, but when you crush the meat of the broadcast with strong in-game commentary, that’s something that fans can overlook.

The bottom line: Beninati and Laughlin are wildly popular locally for their warm, inviting commentary style.

9. Ottawa Senators

The broadcast: TSN carries Senators games with Gord Miller on play-by-play, and Ray Ferraro, Jamie McLellan and Mike Johnson rotating on color

Local ranking: 9

National: 9

Last season: 15

The results: Senators fans notice and enjoy when games are on TSN as opposed to Sportsnet, and it was overwhelmingly pointed out that at any game on Sportsnet was more of a “Leafs broadcast.”

Miller draws rave reviews both in and out of market on Senators broadcasts. His chemistry with McLellan is also something fans made sure to point out.

“Gord and Jamie do such a good job calling the game, even if it’s a 5-1 blowout against, they still make it fun. It helps that Ottawa Facts with Noodles is the best segment in the NHL,” one Senators fan said.

The TSN studio team also got some love, with Marc Methot getting specifically mentioned as a notable addition that added insight and color to the broadcast.

The bottom line: It’s a top-notch broadcast that only got better with some studio additions in the past two seasons.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning

The broadcast: Bally Sports Sun carries Lightning games with Dave Randorf handling play-by-play and Brian Engblom serving as analyst.

Local ranking: 10

National: 6

Last season: 6

The results: Randorf’s second season at the helm of the microphone in Tampa was another successful one after he replaced Rick Peckham, who retired in 2020.

“Randorf had big shoes to fill but he has filled them excellently,” one Lightning fan wrote.

Others outside of Tampa also noticed, pointing to Randorf’s play-by-play as one of the stronger deliveries in the league, and one that doesn’t overly lean toward one team.

“Not super biased. Good knowledge on the game, probably best in the league with Engblom and Randorf,” another respondent wrote.

Engblom’s work has always been well received in this exercise and that continued as he once again drew praise from both in and out of market.

The bottom line: The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions have a local broadcast that succeeds in matching the level of the play on the ice.

7. New York Rangers

The broadcast: MSG Network carries Rangers games, with Sam Rosen handling primary play-by-play duties and Joe Micheletti serving as color commentator.

Local ranking: 12

National: 3

Last season: 17

The results: Rosen’s iconic voice is synonymous with Rangers hockey. There’s no separating the two. He’s a flat-out legend. The familiarity and consistency of Rosen and Micheletti were very highly rated by out-of-market fans, a big reason why New York’s broadcast jumped 10 spots compared to last year.

Despite still being a favorite, many local fans pointed out that Rosen’s lost his fastball, often misidentifying players.

“Sam Rosen is like your cool grandfather, guiding your viewing experience and occasionally making a funny gaffe. Joe Micheletti plays the role of cool uncle, correcting your grandfather and then breaking down what actually happened.”

MSG’s hit it out of the park with its studio coverage as well, providing genuinely informative analysis that’s easy to digest.

“I need to make sure somewhere there’s love for Steve Valiquette,” said one Rangers fan. “That guy is one of the best analysts in the business right now. He points out great details, especially in his area of expertise (goaltending), blends analytics and eye test perfectly, and makes it easy to digest for everyone, even people who don’t know much about those subjects. He’s charismatic and entertaining. He’s the best.”

The bottom line: The long-tenured commentary duo remains popular across the league and is bolstered by excellent intermission analysis.

6. Dallas Stars

The broadcast: Bally Sports Southwests carries Stars broadcasts with Josh Bogorad handling play-by-play and Darryl Reaugh handling color commentary.

Local ranking: 4

National ranking: 10

Last season: 6

The results: The Stars broadcast remains one of the top in the league, but has slowly backslid in the rankings, falling from second in 2020 to fourth in 2021 and now to sixth.

The fact falling to six is a backslide should be a good barometer of just how good the Stars broadcast has been, historically. Reaugh is beloved in Dallas and widely respected outside of Dallas as one of the top analysts in the game.

In fact, many Dallas fans make sure to note they hope they never lose Reaugh to a national gig. Bogorad’s play-by-play has also meshed perfectly with Reaugh, allowing the former goalie’s personality to take center stage.

“Nobody beats Razor. He provides great insight and amazing commentary. Josh has also become a great staple alongside him. Stars fans were spoiled with Ralph Strangis and then Dave Strader, and now Josh seems to have filled the shoes of those before him.”

If there is a reason Dallas has fallen slightly in the rankings it’s because Reaugh’s bombastic schtick can rub some people the wrong way. While his intentional use of interesting vernacular has its fans, it’s also picked up some detractors that helped pull Dallas out of the top five.

The bottom line: It’s a top-tier broadcast with a beloved analyst, who has become one of the most famous faces and voices of hockey for his market.

T-4. Florida Panthers

The broadcast: Bally Sports Florida carries Panthers games with Steven Goldstein on play-by-play and Randy Moller handling color commentary.

Local ranking: 1

National: 11

Last season: 18

The results: The Panthers’ ascent (in the regular season, at least) on the ice comes at a time when the broadcast has also been finally gaining some due recognition.

“Florida is so unbelievably underrated in their broadcast crew,” a Panthers fan wrote. “Goldie and Randy are up there for best duo in the league for play-by-play and color.”

“They are supreme homers but super high energy, complimentary of other teams’ players and have great chemistry,” another Panthers fan wrote. “Randy Moller can be hilarious. And there aren’t enough Panthers homers out there so biased commentators isn’t too bad.”

Those outside Florida had praise for Moller and it was hard to find many negative takes about the broadcast in Florida.

The bottom line: This is a broadcast that hasn’t changed much, but has earned more recognition for consistent excellence that might have been missed in the past.

T-4. St. Louis Blues

The broadcast: Bally Sports Midwest carries Blues games, with John Kelly on play-by-play and Darren Pang doing color.

Local ranking: 5

National: 7

Last season: 3

The results: The Blues broadcast has been a consistent top performer since The Athletic started running this survey, and, once again, Pang draws high marks as one of the top analysts in the game.

Kelly’s call is also well respected both in and outside of the market, and the duo has noted chemistry, which one respondent summed up perfectly.

“Panger and JK are like the Bert and Ernie of hockey broadcasting. Perfectly paired with tremendous energy. Not too homerish but with a keen Blues perspective. Panger is maybe a little too nice to the goalies!”

Another Blues fan provided another comparison.

“John Kelly and Darren Pang have a chemistry that rivals (Brett) Hull and (Adam) Oates. It’s hard to imagine Blues games without them.”

The bottom line: An elite broadcast that will likely always be near the tops of the league with Kelly and Pang on the call.

T-2. Seattle Kraken

The broadcast: ROOT Sports carries Kraken games, with John Forslund on play-by-play and J.T. Brown doing color.

Local ranking: 8

National: 2

Last season: n/a

The results: ROOT Sports showed it was serious about serving new Kraken fans, making a big splash by scooping up Forslund. As expected, the reviews were fantastic.

“John Forslund is exceptional and has made Kraken games a joy to watch, which is saying a lot given how bad the team has been,” said one Seattle fan. “He’s done a great job explaining the game to new fans while keeping existing hockey fans like myself engaged.”

Seattle’s sky-high ranking, tied for second in the league, is a lot more than just the Forslund effect though. Alison Lukan is viewed as a star for her studio work where she’s often shared analytics-based content in a digestible way. It’s a big edge in a world where a lack of insightful analysis taints many other broadcasts.

“More Alison Lukan!” exclaimed another Kraken fan. “Alison has been the shining star of the Root Sports NW broadcast team, brilliantly combining data-driven analytics with on-ice storytelling.”

Brown was also popular. Fans explained that he was able to draw experiences from his playing career without resorting to the cliches that many other former players fall victim to.

The bottom line: Seattle’s inaugural broadcast was a smashing success all around.

T-2. Vancouver Canucks

The broadcast: Sportsnet carries Canucks games, with John Shorthouse on play-by-play and John Garrett on color.

Local ranking: 6

National: 4

Last season: 7

The results: The consistency of the Canucks’ broadcast personnel has bred near unmatched intimacy and loyalty in Vancouver. Shorthouse, Garrett, and Dan Murphy are universally adored icons in this city.

“They are hilarious, have such great chemistry, and never phone it in,” said one Canucks fan. “They’re always having fun. They provide such a cozy viewing experience, as their vibrant personalities bounce off each other so well. Sometimes I just put on old Canucks games to just relax to their voices while I do other stuff.”

Vancouver’s broadcast has walked the perfect tightrope between being balanced/professional and yet still providing a homey atmosphere that caters to Canucks fans. Multiple fans noted that the in-game commentary and banter between whistles has been enough to keep them tuned into games that have otherwise turned out dull. Shorthouse’s sharp calling and encyclopedic knowledge of the game drew rave reviews outside of the west coast too.

“Shorthouse is terrific and should be elevated to national duty,” commented a Senators fan.

The bottom line: Canucks fans love Shorthouse, Garrett, and Murphy almost as much as they love the team itself.

1. Detroit Red Wings

The broadcast: Bally Sports Detroit carries Red Wings games with Ken Daniels handling play-by-play and Mickey Redmond handling most games as the color analyst.

Local ranking: 3

National: 1

Last season: 8

The results: Red Wings fans are hoping the ascent of the broadcast crew is a harbinger of similar success for the team on the ice.

Two seasons ago, Detroit was 23rd in our rankings, jumped to eight last season, and then this season claimed the title of the No. 1 local broadcast.

The formula in Detroit works well with Daniels’ direct play-by-play as a natural foil to the storytelling that Redmond weaves into his analysis.

As one Red Wings fan put it, Redmond’s delivery is like, “watching the game with your hockey smart grandfather that you actually like.”

Redmond and Daniels also have a natural chemistry that is noticeable in and outside of the market.

“Ken Daniels provides a balanced level of excitement for the Red Wings and their opponents’ accomplishments. While his enjoyment of the success for the team is apparent, he can recognize the performance of the opponent. Mickey Redmond brings his usual humor and old-school mentality with a balance of insight. He’s forgotten more hockey than I’ll ever know while never holding back on a good ribbing.”

One Detroit fan put it best.

“The game is always more enjoyable with Ken and Mick! Can’t imagine how much more fun they will be to watch when the Wings are good again…”

The bottom line: The on-ice product is on the upswing in Detroit, while the broadcast is already ready for the spotlight.

(Photo by Dave Reginek / NHLI via Getty Images)

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Which NHL broadcasts are the best? Fans rated all 32 teams