July 27, 2000
ESPN's and ESPN2's extensive coverage -- 124 regular-season telecasts (27 on ESPN and 97 on ESPN2) -- of the 2000-01 National Hockey League season will begin on ESPN with an exclusive telecast of the single opening night game - a rematch of last year's Western Conference Final when the Dallas Stars host the Colorado Avalanche Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
ESPN2 will begin its season Thursday, Oct. 5 with a doubleheader featuring the Vancouver Canucks at the Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. At 10 p.m., the St. Louis Blues, with Hart and Norris Trophy-winning Chris Pronger, will visit the Phoenix Coyotes.
"We worked with the NHL to create a very compelling schedule for ESPN and ESPN2, the national cable homes of the NHL," said Mark Quenzel, ESPN senior vice president, programming. "ESPN's schedule features more consistent days and start times, establishing a regular viewing pattern for our nationally televised games."
Throughout the season, ESPN's schedule will feature games on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday beginning at 8 p.m.
The first of three exclusive ESPN National Hockey Night appearances by the defending Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils will be a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final against the Flyers Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. The second will feature a Stanley Cup Final rematch when the Stars visit the Meadowlands Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.
ABC Sports will begin its second season of NHL coverage with the All-Star Game from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Sunday, Feb. 4. ABC Sports will provide regular-season coverage on five consecutive Saturdays beginning March 10 at 3 p.m.
ESPN highlights
Exclusives - ESPN will present 18 exclusive telecasts.
Rivals Face Off - A cross-state rivalry on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. will feature the Flyers at the Pittsburgh Penguins, a rematch of last year's Conference Semifinals. The Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings will play each other twice on ESPN at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Jan. 7. The Devils will play their cross-town rival New York Rangers Wednesday, March 21 at 8 p.m.
The Big Apple Brings Big Names - The new-look Rangers, with returning captain Mark Messier, new General Manager Glen Sather, and new Head Coach Ron Low will appear exclusively six times, highlighted by contests against Jaromir Jagr and the Penguins Friday, Oct. 27 and Friday, March 2, against high-scoring forward Pavel Bure and the Florida Panthers Friday, Feb. 9, and a division battle against the Flyers Sunday, Feb. 25. All telecasts will begin at 8 p.m.
The Western Conference Champs Lead the West - The Western Conference Champion Stars will lead the West with eight appearances this season including at the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday, Nov. 15, and hosting the Red Wings Sunday, Feb. 18 and the Blues Sunday, Feb. 11 and Sunday March 25. All telecasts will begin at 8 p.m.
The NHL on Sunday Night - ESPN will offer nine telecasts from January through March beginning at 8 p.m.
ESPN2 highlights
The Raising of the Banner - The Montreal Canadiens will visit the Devils as they raise the Stanley Cup banner Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
From Japan We Come - Back-to-back games from Japan will feature the Penguins against the Nashville Predators Saturday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7. Both telecasts will begin at 12 a.m.
Doubleheader, Doubleheader - Twenty-three doubleheaders, including two featuring afternoon and evening telecasts.
West Coast Prime Time - Twenty-six games starting at 7 or 7:30 p.m. PT, including the Blues at the Los Angeles Kings Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m., and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim hosting the Red Wings Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Rangers will play two consecutive West coast games - against the San Jose Sharks Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and against the Kings Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
Ray Bourque's First Game Against Former Team - Ray Bourque and the Avalanche will host the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 10 p.m.
New Rangers Face Former Team - One of 10 appearances by the Rangers will feature the home opener and Messier's return to New York when they play Montreal Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Another has the Rangers hosting the Edmonton Oilers as Sather and Low face their former team in their only meeting of the season Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Afternoon Games - Four afternoon games, including the final day of the season.
Multiple Appearances
New Jersey Devils - The defending Stanley Cup Champions will appear 10 times, including at Dallas for another rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m.
Dallas Stars - The Stars will appear eight times, highlighted by home contests against the Sharks Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m., and the Sabres Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers - The Flyers will play 18 times on ESPN2 including division battles against the Rangers Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. and Penguins on consecutive Wednesdays - Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
St. Louis Blues - The President's Trophy winner will be featured in 13 telecasts, including in Detroit Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., at home for a playoff rematch against the Sharks Saturday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. and at the Avalanche Saturday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Jagr and the Penguins will appear 15 times, highlighted by home games against the Devils Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m., and the Avalanche Monday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. A road game against Florida will feature an offensive duel between Jagr and Bure Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
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