Kristen J Shilton

USATODAY

NHL Network has a brand new look, just in time for playoffs.

Back in August, the NHL announced it was launching a digital rights partnership with MLB Advanced Media in which MLBAM would have access to all digital platforms and distribution of NHL Network programming, among other responsibilities. This alliance required NHL Network to move its daily on-air operations from Toronto to MLB Network's headquarters in New Jersey.

Several changes headlined by MLBAM have been rolled out since the fall, most notably changes to NHL.com and NHL.tv, but there hasn't been a lot of major differences on the TV side. Now, NHL Network is making its big reveal, showing off a state-of-the-art studio space akin to the one used by several of MLB Network's shows. "The Rink," a 1,200-square foot space that will serve as the set for the network's flagship show, NHL Tonight, throughout the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, will make its debut Monday night.

The NHL said it wanted to be in business with MLBAM because of the organization's "world-class technology" and it wanted to tap into the research and resources the group had to offer. And it appears the league's new hosts have lived up to the hype.

The Rink looks a lot like an old-school hockey arena, complete with 30-foot wooden arches lining the ceiling, and the walls are etched with the names of the last 10 Stanley Cup champions (to look like they're actually on a Cup, which is a nice touch). But in a nod to the technological prowess of MLBAM, a 20-foot wide LCD display on the back wall will be filled with arena footage, stats and content-specific graphics so there's more to pay attention for than just the guys at the desk.

There's also an interesting custom design feature: An 84-inch monitor will be hanging within a 7-foot goal lined with multiple lights on the crossbar. Seems like the perfect prop to debate net size, no?

It was clear when the NHL joined up with MLBAM that it was looking to up its game and increase the experience fans had interacting with the brand. While some of the changes have been difficult to get behind (we miss you, old NHL.com!), this new studio has a lot of potential to make the connection between the audience and the game that much better.