Why Golf Channel is broadcasting NHL playoff games

Kevin Allen | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Why the Vegas Golden Knights can win the Stanley Cup SportsPulse: The Vegas Golden Knights are rewriting the history books on what it means to be an expansion team and in the process captivating a city. Our NHL insider Kevin Allen believes their magical run could end with a Stanley Cup.

As odd as it may seem, NBC isn’t out of bounds in broadcasting two NHL playoff games on the Golf Channel tonight.

Because of scheduling conflicts on NBC’s usual NHL-showing networks, CNBC and USA Network, the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils game (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks game (10:30) will be shown on the Golf Channel. NBC Sports Network is airing the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m) and Nashville Predators at the Colorado Avalanche (10 p.m.)

“Since we began televising every game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2012, we continue to receive great cooperation from CNBC and USA Network, who will air several nights of playoff games this year,” said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports & NBC Sports Network. “However, because of programming conflicts on Wednesday — for the first time we will extend coverage to Golf Channel.”

Even NBC understands the humor of this.

The Golf Channel, which is owned by NBC, retweeted a promo for the games on Twitter.

MOAR playoff hockey with four games on Wednesday's slate! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/KQ4G4ag3Ft — NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 18, 2018

The Sharks lead their first-round series 3-0, while the Lightning have a 2-1 edge against the Devils.

The website is even tying in some NHL content to golf, featuring videos of two-time Stanley Cup winner Brad Richards on the reasons he loves golf and his pick for the Lightning vs. Devils game. There is even a link to a Golfadvisor.com article, "How hockey breeds very good golfers."

People on social media have had fun with this, too, including Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com.

Sharks are in position to be first NHL team ever to clinch a playoff series on the Golf Channel. — Ray Ratto (@RattoNBCS) April 17, 2018

A fan, Steve Martin, replied: “In honor of sending the Ducks to the golf course? How sweet of NBC.”

However, some fans see the move to Golf Channel as slighting the NHL, wondering why NBC didn’t use the NHL Network as the home for the games.

But here’s what we discovered: CNBC and USA Network may be owned by the same conglomerate, but the stations control their own programming.

USA Network is showing the series Suits at 9 p.m. tonight, and that is one of its higher rated shows. CNBC is showing Shark Tank reruns from 7-9 p.m., another popular show for the network. That network is showing a premier episode of the new series, Staten Island Hustle, at 10 p.m. ET.

Golf Channel is a major 24/7 player in cable, appearing in more than 70 million households, according to the network. NHL Network's reach is significantly less. According to a December 2017 AdAge article, NBA TV, where several NBA playoff games are being shown, has about 48 million subscribers.

In the local markets, the Golf Channel games also will be shown on the team’s regular carrier of regular-season games.

“I’m all for publicizing our great game of hockey on any and every platform, and as someone that also loves golf, I know golfers are complete sports fanatics," said NBC analyst Jeremy Roenick, who is a scratch golfer. "These are two of the greatest sports on earth. The volume levels tonight in New Jersey and San Jose might be a little louder than the golf claps we’re used to hearing at the Ryder Cup or the Open Championship, but these athletes have the same passion and intensity, and passion and intensity are what the Stanley Cup playoffs are all about.”