{"id":80522,"date":"2025-07-21T11:50:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T11:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/80522\/"},"modified":"2025-07-21T11:50:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T11:50:11","slug":"which-nhl-broadcasts-are-the-best-2025-broadcast-rankings-rated-by-fans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/80522\/","title":{"rendered":"Which NHL broadcasts are the best? 2025 broadcast rankings, rated by fans"},"content":{"rendered":"

The recent shocking news that the St. Louis Blues and FanDuel Sports Network are parting ways with legendary play-by-play caller John Kelly<\/a> was just the latest reminder of how dramatically the NHL\u2019s local broadcast landscape has shifted over the last few years.<\/p>\n

Compared to 2022<\/a>, 16 of the league\u2019s 32 fan bases have either already seen a different play-by-play announcer or color analyst in the booth or will have a different broadcast tandem beginning in the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re in an era of transition, and that means it\u2019s as important as ever to take stock of how local fans view their broadcast team with our annual broadcast rankings survey.<\/p>\n

We ask fans to rate their favorite teams\u2019 broadcasts on a scale from 1 to 5 and invite them to rate as many other local broadcasts as they wish. We then used your grades and input to rank the regional broadcasts of all 32 NHL teams.<\/p>\n

In terms of our methodology, we average the results of the survey to provide each broadcast with a local and national score out of 5. Those two scores are then averaged into a composite score, which is used to determine how each team is ranked in this story.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t a scientific exercise, especially as some teams and fan bases are more represented than others. The results, however, still provide us with a fascinating snapshot of how fan bases across the NHL view, connect with and rate those calling hockey games.<\/p>\n

32. Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: NESN carries Bruins games, with color analyst Andy Brickley and new play-by-play announcer Judd Sirott. Studio analysts include Billy Jaffe, Barry Pederson and Andrew Raycroft.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 3.68 (30th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.21 (32nd)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 32<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The first year without Jack Edwards on the play-by-play mic since 2004 drew mixed responses from our surveyees. Some enjoyed a fresh perspective while others missed Edwards\u2019 unique style and passion for calling Bruins games.<\/p>\n

Respondents praised Brickley for making the broadcasts feel really local, although a tough season on the ice tested viewers\u2019 patience.<\/p>\n

National viewers remain polarized on the broadcast.<\/p>\n

\u201cJudd Sirott does a nice job and is a welcome contrast to Jack Edwards. Tough season for him to start on TV; just needs a bit of time to gel more with Andy Brickley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLove him or hate him, Jack kept things interesting. Now it\u2019s just another broadcast.\u201d<\/p>\n

31. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: SportsNet Pittsburgh carries Penguins games, with Josh Getzoff doing play-by-play and Phil Bourque, Colby Armstrong and Mike Rupp rotating on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 3.47 (31st)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.64 (30th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 28<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The broadcast received relatively poor marks again in the second season after Steve Mears and Bob Errey were removed from the booth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Fans were critical of having rotating color analysts, the intermission panels and a lack of criticism for a team that finished well out of the playoffs again.<\/p>\n

\u201cGetzoff is a good play-by-play guy, and I like the minimalist graphics. Rotation between the analysts hasn\u2019t allowed Getzoff to get a good rapport with any of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe crew keeps the game fresh and interesting, which, a lot of nights this past season, was not easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan be very dry at times. Would like more enthusiasm when something big happens. Also tough when you had Mike Lange for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

30. Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Sportsnet carried 14 Maple Leafs games regionally this season, with Chris Cuthbert doing play-by-play and Craig Simpson doing color. TSN carried 26 Leafs games regionally with Gord Miller doing play-by-play and Mike Johnson doing color. The remainder of the games were broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and Amazon Prime.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 3.18 (32nd)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.01 (13th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 29<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The unique and wide split between the local and national ratings shows just how differently many Leafs fans view their broadcast compared with the wider perspective.<\/p>\n

Despite often getting the most experienced broadcast teams in the country, a huge percentage of Toronto fans lamented the fact that they don\u2019t have a \u201chome\u201d broadcast on television. They also noted a strong preference for the regional TSN broadcasts over games shown elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re the only team in the NHL whose home broadcast is limited to the radio only. I understand that the national broadcasts in Canada need to or want to appear impartial due to the national factor, but often the coverage seems to slant the other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatching broadcasts on Amazon and TNT this year showed me how far Sportsnet lagged behind in production quality as well, especially in the audio department.\u201d<\/p>\n

29. Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network carries Predators games, with Willy Daunic on play-by-play and Chris Mason doing color. Hal Gill fills in for select games on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.14 (25th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.61 (31st)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 17<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: After a one-time surge to the middle of the pack, Nashville has fallen back near the bottom of the broadcast rankings, where it\u2019s typically resided most years.<\/p>\n

The on-ice product obviously hurt \u2014 the Predators went from being a scrappy, likable, underdog team that made the playoffs, to a team that couldn\u2019t score, shockingly finished 30th in the league standings, and had several underperforming players on big-ticket contracts. Those are very difficult circumstances to operate under.<\/p>\n

Fans noted that Daunic\u2019s play-by-play work has steadily improved over the years, but there are still some detractors.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still find Willy to be the weak link,\u201d said one Preds fan. \u201cHe is still trying to come up with catchphrases and too often mispronounces names. Chris Mason, on the other hand, is a solid color man and a very easy listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few respondents also noted that the Predators\u2019 broadcast is too biased, although the number of those complaints has toned down compared to previous years.<\/p>\n

28. Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: MSG Western New York carries Sabres broadcasts, with Dan Dunleavy on play-by-play and former players Rob Ray and Martin Biron on color and analysis.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.00 (28th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.83 (22nd)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 22<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: There were big changes behind the scenes here recently, as a report from the Buffalo News<\/a> reveals a longtime producer was moved out after the broadcast was believed to be \u201ctoo critical\u201d of a team that missed the playoffs for a fourteenth consecutive season.<\/p>\n

Sabres fans, in general, disagree with that assessment and believe the broadcasters should be more critical, if anything, of their struggling club.<\/p>\n

They did, however, praise Dunleavy\u2019s professionalism and Ray\u2019s ability to take a puck to the face<\/a> and continue the broadcast.<\/p>\n

\u201cRick Jeanneret will just never be topped, so it\u2019s hard to rate anyone, and it\u2019s probably unfair to grade announcers immediately following him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat unbiased analysis of the game, not just the home team. Rob Ray and Dan Dunleavy are hockey guys, sharing points of the game. They do not take sides.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRob Ray is a gem. Takes pucks to the face, drops F-bomb and still keeps working.\u201d<\/p>\n

27. Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network North carries Wild games, with Anthony LaPanta on play-by-play. Wes Walz, Ryan Carter and Lou Nanne rotate on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 3.91 (29th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.99 (14th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 25<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Minnesota\u2019s poor ranking is the culmination of a few issues. One of them is FanDuel Sports Network\u2019s production and presentation. Some fans reported technical glitches related to lagging and audio sync, while others lamented the broadcast\u2019s look.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe graphics and studio setup for Minnesota is awful,\u201d said a Wild fan. \u201cGarishly green and red. When I see Sportsnet or the feed for the Canadian market local broadcasts, it\u2019s such a cleaner look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anthony LaPanta drew mostly positive feedback on play-by-play \u2014 though some fans noted that he goes off on too many tangents where he\u2019s telling stories or citing obscure stats \u2014 but the rotating nature of the color analyst gig didn\u2019t go over well. There were a lot of complaints about Walz specifically, who fans prefer in a studio analyst role.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be nice if they would just keep Ryan Carter in the booth as the color analyst and Wes Walz in the studio (as an analyst),\u201d said one fan.<\/p>\n

26. Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Chicago Sports Network carries Blackhawks games with Rick Ball doing play-by-play and Darren Pang doing color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.08 (27th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.85 (20th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>:\u00a031<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The Blackhawks\u2019 broadcast underwent seismic changes this season, both in the booth and distribution-wise. Let\u2019s start with the big win: Rick Ball\u2019s debut season as the play-by-play announcer drew rave reviews across the board.<\/p>\n

\u201cRick Ball is a massive upgrade over (Chris) Vosters, his presence also made Pang better, and their chemistry is miles better than between Pang and Vosters,\u201d wrote one Blackhawks fan.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, major broadcast accessibility issues overshadowed the upgraded commentary duo. The Blackhawks transitioned from NBC to their own Chicago Sports Network, which had carriage issues, most notably with Comcast, the largest cable carrier in Chicago. As a result, Blackhawks viewership plummeted by 78 percent this season<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Blackhawks\u2019 broadcast is supposedly available over the air, but my TV doesn\u2019t pick it up, even after I bought an antenna,\u201d said one fan. \u201cShould I pay $20\/month to watch a terrible team on a terrible streaming app? No thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHSN finally inked a recent deal with Comcast<\/a>, but it requires subscribing to Comcast\u2019s highest tier TV package, which requires spending an extra $20 per month anyway. The accessibility annoyances will likely continue looming large over a talented, experienced broadcast team.<\/p>\n

25. New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: MSG Sportsnet carries Devils broadcasts, with Bill Spaulding handling play-by-play, Ken Daneyko on color commentary and Bryce Salvador at rinkside during Devils home games.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.27 (24th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.78 (28th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 24<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Despite the low ranking, Devils fans almost universally had praise for Spaulding\u2019s play-by-play, which is part of why there was a shock that he is being replaced next season<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Respondents were more mixed on the broadcast\u2019s analysts and commentary, including being split over switching out Erika Wachter with Rachel Herzog in the studio.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were very spoiled by years of Doc Emrick (and then Steve Cangialosi), but Bill Spaulding has carved a nice space for himself and doesn\u2019t over-talk. Ken Daneyko can be a bit of a homer, but he tries to keep it fair and provides good history. Love to hear when Daneyko and Bryce Salvador debate strategy and break down what went right or wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood combination of analytical sports knowledge from Bill Spaulding alongside playing experience from Ken Daneyko brings a great mix of analysis during a game.\u201d<\/p>\n

24. Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Victory+ carries Ducks games, with John Ahlers doing play-by-play and Brian Hayward doing color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.39 (22nd)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.66 (29th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 23<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Anaheim\u2019s broadcast shot up eight spots last season and has largely maintained those gains this year.<\/p>\n

The Ducks\u2019 broadcast shifted away from Bally to Victory+, where regional fans could stream games for free. That\u2019s been a nice, well-received touch.<\/p>\n

In the booth, there are still some gripes. Hayward is a bit polarizing among fans and the broadcast\u2019s lack of innovation when it comes to incorporating analytics gives the show a bit of an outdated feel.<\/p>\n

Anaheim\u2019s broadcast has always ranked near the bottom nationally, but among local fans, it\u2019s more favorably regarded as a solid, albeit unspectacular product.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn Ahlers and Brian Haywood work well together, even though Ahlers gets players mixed up and Haywood is a homer,\u201d said one respondent. \u201cThe Ducks move to Victory+ is much better than when they were on Bally or Fox Sports SW.\u201d<\/p>\n

23. Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Sportsnet carries Flames games, with Jon Abbott doing play-by-play and Kelly Hrudey doing color. Greg Millen filled in for select games on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.12 (26th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.93 (17th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 16<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The departure of Rick Ball, an adored 10-year veteran on the Flames broadcast, to Chicago left a massive hole in the play-by-play chair.<\/p>\n

One thing we\u2019ve learned from years of doing this survey is that it\u2019s nearly impossible for a newcomer to instantly win over the hearts of fans, especially when stepping into the shoes of a revered veteran. It takes time for a new voice to build chemistry, rapport and weight in a local market.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, Calgary\u2019s seven-spot drop-off compared to last year\u2019s ranking is more a reflection of how much fans loved Ball than it is an indictment of his replacement, Jon Abbott.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was very disappointed when Rick Ball left last summer, but pleasantly surprised with how good his replacement, Jon Abbott, was this past season,\u201d said one Flames fan.<\/p>\n

Kelly Hrudey is well-liked by most fans. The late Greg Millen, who occasionally filled in on color, will be missed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tripp Tracy interviews Andrei Svechnikov. (Gregg Forwerck \/ NHLI via Getty Images)22. Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network South carries Hurricanes games, with Mike Maniscalco on play-by-play and Tripp Tracy on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.38 (23rd)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.88 (19th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 18<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: It\u2019s fair to say that a lot of Caniacs still miss John Forslund, who left for Seattle in 2021 after a contract dispute.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, however, respondents to our survey felt that Maniscalco was doing a solid job and growing on them over time. Tracy, meanwhile, is more polarizing.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery time I start to tire of my local Mike and Tripp, I watch another team\u2019s broadcast, or national broadcast, and realize how good they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMike Maniscalco took some time to settle in after replacing the legendary John Forslund, but he has truly made the booth his own and his chemistry with Tripp is excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cManiscalco has developed into a really good play-by-play guy. Tripp is quirky and that can be endearing at times and annoying at others. But there\u2019s no denying he knows hockey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still miss Forslund. I like Mike and I think he has improved significantly over the last couple years, but Tripp is one of the most uninformed broadcasters in the league. Every single game, there is something just plain wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

21. Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: The FanDuel Sports Network broadcast team in Columbus features play-by-play announcer Steve Mears and color analyst Jody Shelley.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.49 (19th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.84 (21st)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 30<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The Blue Jackets shot up our rankings a little in the first season without local legend Jeff Rimer, who had been in the Columbus play-by-play chair for 20 years and called more than 2,000 NHL games before retiring.<\/p>\n

Mears, who was let go in Pittsburgh two years ago, has strong support in Columbus and is in part buoyed by the fact that he is paired with Shelley, the former CBJ enforcer who has become one of the stronger color analysts in the league.<\/p>\n

\u201cJody Shelley remains one of the best color\/between-the-benches commentators in the business. Steve Mears had a great first year calling Blue Jackets games; he\u2019ll only get stronger in the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJody Shelley is incredibly insightful and articulate. He never talks down to the audience, but also doesn\u2019t assume that the fan knows all of the acronyms and jargon. He puts the color in the analysis! (There\u2019s a reason he does national broadcasts on Mondays.) His pregame preparation is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

20. Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network West carries Kings games, with Nick Nickson on play-by-play and Jim Fox doing color. Josh Schaefer filled in for select games on play-by-play. Daryl Evans is an additional on-air personality from ice level. Blake Bolden filled in as the ice-side analyst on occasion.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.47 (20th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.88 (18th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 15<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: L.A. has seen significant turnover in the play-by-play chair following the legendary Bob Miller\u2019s retirement in 2017. Alex Faust was tabbed as the first successor and was well-rated by fans, but his contract wasn\u2019t renewed in 2023. The Kings merged their TV and radio broadcasts, with longtime radio announcer Nickson stepping up to handle TV duties in 2023-24.<\/p>\n

Nickson retired at the end of this past season after 44 years of calling Kings games, meaning there will be another new full-time TV voice in the fall.<\/p>\n

Through these changes, L.A.\u2019s broadcast has consistently ranked middle of the pack in our rankings and this year is no different. Nickson and Fox both drew a ton of praise from local fans. Fox, in particular, has long been popular for his special ability to provide genuinely insightful analysis on the fly in the color chair and for maintaining a relatively objective tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim Fox is one of the best analysts in the NHL,\u201d said one Kings fan. \u201cHe calls it like he sees it and provides good descriptions of what\u2019s missing and what\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFox is the best at breaking down how a play developed, or a significant action that influenced a goal or defensive effort,\u201d added another respondent.<\/p>\n

19. Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Altitude carries Avalanche games, with Marc Moser on play-by-play and Mark Rycroft on color. John-Michael Liles was a second analyst for home games later in the season.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.73 (13th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.76 (26th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 27<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: There\u2019s a massive gulf between how the Avalanche\u2019s broadcast scored locally (13th) and nationally (26th). Tons of fans outside of Colorado voiced complaints about how excessively biased they believe the product is.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery local broadcast has bias, but they take it to a new level,\u201d wrote one out-of-market fan. \u201cEvery good play by the other team is puck luck while every good play by the Avs is a historic achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among local fans, however, the broadcast skyrocketed from 27th to 13th this year. Avs fans are the first to acknowledge that their broadcasters are homers, but they believe it\u2019s done in a tasteful enough manner, and share a deep appreciation for the crew\u2019s energy, light-hearted humor and rich understanding of the club\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt first we did not love Mark Rycroft, but man has he grown on my dad and I,\u201d wrote one fan. \u201cA totally goofy guy that just gets so excited about the game in front of him. Eccentric goofball color guy is a definite plus and Marc Moser is as good as they come, play-by-play wise.\u201d<\/p>\n

18. Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: NBC Sports Philadelphia carries Flyers games with Jim Jackson on play-by-play and Brian Boucher as the primary color commentator.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.69 (15th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.82 (23rd)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 14<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The seismic loss of Keith Jones \u2014 who made the big leap from color analyst to team president two years ago \u2014 could have derailed the broadcast, but former Flyers netminder Boucher drew plenty of praise for his continued development into a trusted voice. And Jackson remains beloved in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

The only minor complaints we received about the broadcast are when Boucher isn\u2019t available at times due to his commitments to national games.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim Jackson is elite. Slightly homer-ish but enough national knowledge to be taken seriously. Losing Keith Jones was huge, but Boucher has really improved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJJ and Boosh have great chemistry and can make watching even a struggling rebuilding team fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim Jackson has been elite for a long time now. It warms my heart that he gets some early national playoff games, but he still doesn\u2019t get the respect he deserves. And Brian Boucher has been proven on a national scale for a long time, but he just keeps shining \u2026 Flyers fans are very lucky with these two.\u201d<\/p>\n

17. Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: TSN carries Senators broadcasts regionally. Gord Miller is the primary play-by-play broadcaster, with Kenzie Lalonde and Matt Cullen filling in for select games. Jamie (Noodles) McLennan is the primary color commentator, with Mike Johnson rotating in for select games.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.56 (17th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.95 (16th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 20<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Ottawa is another Canadian team with its broadcasts split between different networks, as its national games are largely on Sportsnet, with different broadcast teams.<\/p>\n

While that arrangement seemed to impact the Senators\u2019 score, the 50-odd regional games carried by TSN received almost universal praise, despite at times having different play-by-play callers and analysts night to night.<\/p>\n

\u201cNoodles is great on color. Gord Miller is a national treasure and Kenzie Lalonde was a nice change when Gord wasn\u2019t available.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGord Miller could be the top play-by-play guy at any network he wants, so the fact that he\u2019s doing Senators regional games is a huge blessing. Kenzie Lalonde is great filling in and would like to hear more of Matt Cullen next year. Add in Jamie McLennan\u2019s love for the city of Ottawa or Mike Johnson\u2019s analysis, and it\u2019s the best broadcast in the NHL hands down.\u201d<\/p>\n

16. Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Scripps Sports carries Golden Knights games, with Dave Goucher on play-by-play and Shane Hnidy on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.8 (8th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.75 (27th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 9<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Vegas\u2019 broadcast crew, much like the team itself, was an instant hit, consistently scoring well during this exercise. However, as the years have passed, a widening gap has emerged between the broadcast scores locally and nationally.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to glean why exactly the Golden Knights\u2019 broadcast scored so poorly outside of Nevada. Most national fans who left the lowest scores for Vegas either didn\u2019t add a written comment to explain their rating or were vague in their criticism. Truthfully, we wonder if Vegas\u2019 national score was deflated because of how many fans dislike the team itself.<\/p>\n

Within Vegas, Goucher and Hnidy are revered. Ninety percent of Golden Knights fans gave the broadcast a perfect five out of five score.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re incredibly well informed, work well together and their banter keeps it entertaining,\u201d said one fan. \u201cThey\u2019re like family and there\u2019s no one I\u2019d rather hear broadcast a VGK game than this broadcast team.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFeel like the broadcast quality went up a level after moving from AT&T to Scripps Sports a few years ago,\u201d added another respondent. \u201cOne of (the) best things they do is (meaningfully) talk about the opposition team and players during the broadcast.\u201d<\/p>\n

15. Florida Panthers<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Scripps Sports carries Panthers games, with Steve Goldstein on play-by-play and Randy Moller on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.77 (10th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.78 (25th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 11<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The two-time defending champs are drawing more eyeballs from outside the market than ever as they continue to pile up wins, which affects their score somewhat here.<\/p>\n

Panthers fans, however, really love their eclectic broadcast team and only wish they could hear more of them during their long postseason runs when games get picked up by national carriers.<\/p>\n

\u201cRandy and Goldie are the best! So many phrases that can be quoted, especially Goldie\u2019s \u2018Let\u2019s go home, baby!\u2019 It\u2019s a shame we only get them for the first round in the playoffs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLots of passion and hilarious catchphrases. Goldstein and Moller do a fantastic job even if their bias shows. I\u2019m sure other (Panthers) fans will rate them highly, and neutrals will have them lower.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, they did!<\/p>\n

14. St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest carries Blues games, with John Kelly on play-by-play and Jamie Rivers on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.56 (18th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.05 (12th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 19<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The Blues\u2019 elite former broadcast tandem of Kelly and Pang finished in the top five of these rankings in four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023. They had a special product going for Blues fans, but just two years later, both Pang, who left for a color gig with the Blackhawks for the 2023-24 season, and Kelly, who parted ways with the network in a surprise announcement earlier this month, are gone.<\/p>\n

Kelly, the Blues\u2019 TV play-by-play voice for 21 years, is universally adored. We conducted this broadcast survey well before the announcement of his departure, and as you\u2019d expect, the reviews for Kelly were glowing from St. Louis fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cKelly is a national treasure and turns any broadcast into an A+ team. Makes you put up with Bally\/FanDuel\u2019s near-unforgivably bad graphics,\u201d wrote one Blues fan.<\/p>\n

The Blues will simulcast their games starting next season, using radio play-by-play man Chris Kerber and analyst Joey Vitale as its voices for both television and radio.\u00a0Kerber and Vitale are well-respected, but we\u2019d expect the Blues\u2019 broadcast to fall dramatically in next year\u2019s rankings because of Kelly\u2019s legendary stature.<\/p>\n

13. Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network Sun carries Lightning games, with Dave Randorf handling play-by-play and Brian Engblom serving as analyst.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.71 (14th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.96 (15th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 10<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: In a bit of a contrast from their state rivals in South Florida, Lightning fans heaped praise on their duo for being largely neutral, while still drawing fans in with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable broadcast.<\/p>\n

A high-profile national broadcaster in Canada for decades, Randorf has quickly endeared himself to Tampa fans since taking the play-by-play job there four years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave in the booth and Brian between the boards are a fantastic team. They have a great rapport, provide in-depth analysis and aren\u2019t afraid to offer their criticisms of the team or the officiating. Dave had huge shoes to fill after long-time great Rick Peckham retired, but he has exceeded my expectations and calls a great game.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are awesome. Insightful, friendly. It\u2019s like listening to your hockey-savant friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

12. New York Islanders<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: MSG Network carries Islanders games, with Brendan Burke on play-by-play, Butch Goring on color and Thomas Hickey and Cal Clutterbuck providing additional analysis.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.87 (6th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 2.81 (24th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 6<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Another market with a surprisingly large split between the local and national audiences, in part because Islanders fans are so incredibly high on Burke\u2019s work on the mic \u2014 to the point that they\u2019re worried about losing him to another team or national gig.<\/p>\n

Fans also offered high praise for Hickey and host Shannon Hogan\u2019s work on the broadcasts.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrendan Burke is far and away the best in the business. He is perfectly countered by Butch Goring, who has all the anecdotes and gives commentary like a regular athlete. Meanwhile, they have Thomas Hickey to break down the finer points for those of us who want more in-depth analysis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrendan Burke is excellent. Was worried MSG would move him over to the Rangers when Sam announced he was retiring. Glad that didn\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

11. Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: TSN carries Jets games with Dan Robertson doing play-by-play and Kevin Sawyer doing color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.61 (16th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.18 (11th)<\/p>\n

Last season ranking<\/strong>: 21<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Winnipeg\u2019s broadcast climbed 10 spots this year for its highest ranking ever in this exercise. The Jets\u2019 broadcast has always scored well out of market \u2014 it ranked eighth-best nationally last season \u2014 but winning over local fans has been a challenge in the past. They\u2019ve made massive strides in that area, with their local ranking jumping from 26th to 16th.<\/p>\n

Robertson, in his third season on Jets broadcasts, has developed into a star.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan Robertson has really come into his own,\u201d said one fan. \u201cWhen he first started doing play-by-play, I found him a bit stiff and I missed Dennis Beyak. However, he seems much more comfortable now and has great chemistry with Kevin Sawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDan Robertson is outstanding. I imagine he\u2019s in line for more national games in the future,\u201d added another fan.<\/p>\n

Kevin Sawyer, the lead color analyst, is a polarizing figure. He received a lot of criticism in years past for his old-school perspectives, but many Jets fans gave him praise for genuinely improving in recent times.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems he\u2019s developed good relationships with the players\/staff to the point where he can integrate conversations he\u2019s had with them in the past to give better context to who they are as players, which I quite appreciate,\u201d said one respondent.<\/p>\n

10. Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: TSN carries Canadiens regional games in English with Bryan Mudryk on play-by-play for most games and with Frank Corrado as the primary color commentator and Mike Johnson and Craig Button rotating in. RDS carries Canadiens regional games in French with Pierre Houde on play-by-play and Marc Denis as color commentator.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.46 (21st)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.34 (5th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 13<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Canadiens fans adore Houde and Denis, praising them as the best in the business. Houde was recognized with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame this past season, something many in the market lauded as well-deserved.<\/p>\n

Where Montrealers expressed frustration, however, is having their broadcasts split over multiple networks and not being able to settle in with one group for all of their games. Most feel the regional broadcasts are of higher quality than the national ones, which impacted the score here.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot picture a Habs game on RDS without Pierre Houde. He is the best we\u2019ve ever had and no one will come close to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoude is the best color commentator in hockey \u2014 arguably in all of sports. RDS has an unbelievable team, and I wish we saw more of them. I also wish that unilingual anglophones could experience what French speakers do multiple nights a year.\u201d<\/p>\n

9. New York Rangers<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: MSG Network carries Rangers games, with Sam Rosen handling primary play-by-play duties in his final season and Joe Micheletti serving as color commentator.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.79 (11th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.20 (9th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 5<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The only lament from Rangers fans is they\u2019re not getting more of Rosen, who at age 77 is finally leaving the booth after more than 40 years.<\/p>\n

Losing the longest tenured broadcaster in the league won\u2019t be easy, especially given that Micheletti is also retiring. Rosen leaves huge shoes for Kenny Albert to fill next season.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam Rosen will always be iconic to not only Rangers fans but to fans of all teams and fans of all sports. Joe and JD were great additions to the team, but Sam not only set the standard, he also raised the bar for that standard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m 31 years old and I have never heard anyone but Sam Rosen call a Rangers game. Next year \u2014 good or bad \u2014 will be a little surreal. Just sad we sent off a legend with a season like that (on the ice).\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor as much as we love the Alberts, no one can replace a legend. We will miss you, Sam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ray<\/p>\n

Ray Ferraro is one of the best color analysts in the league. (Eliot J. Schechter \/ NHLI via Getty Images)8. Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Sportsnet carries Canucks games, with John Shorthouse on play-by-play and Dave Tomlinson on color. Ray Ferraro fills in for select games.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.80 (9th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.25 (7th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 4<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: It\u2019s an impressive testament to the quality of Sportsnet\u2019s Canucks\u2019 broadcast that they\u2019ve remained a fixture in the top 10 despite the departure of color commentator John Garrett, an affable, legendary figure in Vancouver, two years ago.<\/p>\n

Shorthouse is the biggest star of the production, earning plaudits both locally and nationally.<\/p>\n

\u201cShorthouse is one of the best (and most underutilized) broadcasters in the league,\u201d wrote a Canucks fan. \u201cHe always brings great energy and has great chemistry with both Ferraro and Tomlinson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn Shorthouse is a living legend and one of the best play-by-play commentators ever,\u201d said an out-of-market Flyers fan.<\/p>\n

Dave Tomlinson had the near-impossible task of filling Garrett\u2019s shoes two years ago. He\u2019s grown admirably as the primary color analyst. Many viewers added, however, that the games where Ray Ferraro, one of the best color analysts in the league, fills in are a special treat.<\/p>\n

Host Dan Murphy is widely adored by Canucks fans as well.<\/p>\n

7. San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: NBC Sports California carries Sharks games, with Randy Hahn on play-by-play and Drew Remenda primarily on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.87 (5th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.21 (8th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 12<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The veteran broadcast duo of Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda is still at the top of their game. They check every box local fans look for \u2014 deep knowledge and sharp, insightful observations, familiar banter and chemistry, and an ability to balance both palpable excitement for the team with fair criticism of their performance when it\u2019s warranted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best compliment I can give Randy and Drew is that during the 2023-24 season, they were one of the main reasons I continued to tune in to Sharks hockey because the on-ice product certainly wasn\u2019t a reason to keep watching,\u201d commented a Sharks fan.<\/p>\n

Hahn\u2019s eight-time Emmy Award-winning resume speaks for itself, and Remenda\u2019s ability to break down plays in a genuinely informative way that teaches fans has earned a lot of praise.<\/p>\n

\u201cVibes are incredibly high in San Jose, despite the kind of seasons they\u2019ve been having. I\u2019ve really enjoyed tuning into their games,\u201d complimented an out-of-market Utah Mammoth fan.<\/p>\n

Several fans voiced their displeasure about the declining quality of the broadcast\u2019s pregame, postgame and intermission segments after the popular Brodie Brazil was replaced. However, Hahn and Remenda\u2019s heavy lifting \u2014 plus the improved, more entertaining on-ice product this season \u2014 did enough to elevate the broadcast five spots compared to last year.<\/p>\n

6. Dallas Stars<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Victory+ carries Stars games with Josh Bogorad on play-by-play and Daryl \u201cRazor\u201d Reaugh on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.95 (3rd)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.2 (10th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 3<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: The Stars\u2019 broadcast is a perennial fixture near the top of these rankings. Reaugh is a one-of-a-kind superstar in the color chair with his exuberance, robust vocabulary, and exceptional knowledge of the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the best in the business,\u201d described one Stars fan. \u201cThe incredible adjectives: lubricious, mortiferous, scrumptious, etc. Some are $10 dictionary words, some are made up, but he delivers them with such panache that they sound perfectly natural.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bogorad is the perfect complement for Reaugh, with one respondent pointing out that he \u201cnever gets enough credit for how great he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dallas\u2019 crew also received a lot of compliments for its preparation and research on opposing teams. They always nail the pronunciation of opposing players and have fascinating stats and observations ready to go about the Stars\u2019 opponent. They\u2019re also fair and balanced, regularly complimenting the other team when they play well and being unafraid to call out the Stars when they\u2019re struggling.<\/p>\n

5. Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Sportsnet carries Oilers games, with Jack Michaels on play-by-play and Louie DeBrusk on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.77 (12th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.39 (4th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 7<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Few broadcast teams have seen a glow-up as dramatic as the Oilers since the pandemic. Just look at how they\u2019ve risen in year-over-year rankings since 2020: 26th, 16th, 17th, eighth, seventh and now fifth.<\/p>\n

Michaels\u2019 hiring in 2021 has been the key catalyst behind this meteoric rise. He\u2019s arguably the most electric, high-energy play-by-play caller in the entire sport, with the rare ability to make a game in late November feel as important as Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. A small minority of fans find Michaels\u2019 delivery \u201cover the top,\u201d but broadly speaking, his style is overwhelmingly popular, both locally and nationally.<\/p>\n

\u201cEver since Jack Michaels moved over to the TV booth, Oilers games have been must-watch TV,\u201d wrote one fan. \u201cBetween his energetic calls and anecdotal references to other sports and current\/historical events, Jack is an absolute pleasure to watch on TV.\u201d<\/p>\n

DeBrusk\u2019s more measured tone is a nice contrast to Michaels\u2019 energy. He and Michaels have strong chemistry and rapport, and host Gene Principe, a beloved icon, steers the ship and ties the crew together perfectly.<\/p>\n

4. Washington Capitals<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Monumental Sports Network carries Capitals games, with Joe Beninati on play-by-play and Craig Laughlin handling color commentary.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.89 (4th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.31 (6th)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 8<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Alex Ovechkin\u2019s chase of hockey\u2019s all-time goals record put the national spotlight on the Capitals this season, and that included highlighting the high-quality work of Washington\u2019s broadcast team multiple times, something fans singled out for praise.<\/p>\n

Beninati\u2019s more than 30 years behind the mic have made him a local institution, but the quality of his calls was also highlighted by many viewers in other markets.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have been the announcers my entire life. It really wasn\u2019t until I started watching more national broadcasts that I realized just how good these guys are. Joe B. has so many phenomenal Ovechkin goal calls, and Laughlin has always been right there with him, providing a quieter but just as valuable complement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that ESPN and TNT used Beninati\u2019s call for (Ovechkin goal number) 895 proves he\u2019s better than anyone the national networks have on staff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Long-time @Capitals<\/a> announcer Joe Beninati called Alex Ovechkin’s first NHL goal. All these years later, he called Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal. \ud83e\udee1<\/p>\n

Iconic. #Gr8ness<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FVzkcYf2rn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

3. Utah Mammoth<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: SEG Media carries Mammoth games, with Matt McConnell on play-by-play. Dominic Moore and Nick Olczyk rotate on color.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.82 (7th)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.39 (3rd)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: Utah, similar to Vegas and Seattle in recent memory, has hit it out of the park with the first impression that its local broadcast has made in a new city.<\/p>\n

Utah\u2019s broadcast drew rave reviews for achieving \u201cthe impossible task of educating new fans without alienating avid hockey fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

What stood out in reading the survey feedback for Utah is that the stellar marks for this broadcast are a complete team effort from top to bottom. The positive feedback and compliments weren\u2019t lopsidedly directed to just one person \u2014 all of McConnell, the longtime former Coyotes play-by-play caller who followed the team to Utah, color analysts Moore and Olczyk, rinkside reporter Sarah Merrifield and studio host Kim Becker received strong support.<\/p>\n

The production was top-notch too, with one respondent noting that they go \u201cthe extra mile to bring in-arena elements into the studio and on air so fans at home get the same game day experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

All of this seemed to impress fans outside of Utah, too, as their broadcast ranked third-best nationally.<\/p>\n

2. Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: Kraken Hockey Network carries Kraken games with John Forslund on play-by-play, Eddie Olczyk on color and J.T. Brown between the benches. Olczyk occasionally misses Kraken games while fulfilling his national broadcast commitments for TNT; Forslund and Brown form a two-man booth on those occasions.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>:\u00a04.95 (2nd)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.57 (2nd)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 2<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: When the love and adoration for your broadcast team comes pouring in from rival fans, you know you\u2019ve struck gold.<\/p>\n

\u201cKraken\u2019s team is amazing. Just a flawless broadcast from top to bottom,\u201d said a Wild fan.<\/p>\n

\u201cForslund is the premier play-by-play guy,\u201d said a Stars fan. \u201cLove it when he gets national (playoff) assignments.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a special feat that the Kraken have never ranked lower than second place every year we\u2019ve done these broadcast rankings. They strike the perfect balance between high-quality, informative discussion and colorful fun.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn Forslund is a national treasure,\u201d said a local fan. \u201cEvery starting faceoff, he says, \u2018Sit back and enjoy this one,\u2019 and those words actually cause me to sit back and enjoy the game. His banter in between plays is always interesting and never forced. Whatever he gets paid, it\u2019s not enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olczyk continues to crush it as a cream-of-the-crop color analyst and Brown has continued his rise as an up-and-coming star, too.<\/p>\n

1. Detroit Red Wings<\/p>\n

The Broadcast<\/strong>: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit carries Red Wings games with Ken Daniels calling play-by-play and Mickey Redmond handling most games as the color analyst.<\/p>\n

Local score<\/strong>: 4.96 (1st)<\/p>\n

National score<\/strong>: 3.83 (1st)<\/p>\n

Last season rank<\/strong>: 1<\/p>\n

The results<\/strong>: It\u2019s been a tough go for the Red Wings on the ice, and sometimes that can make life difficult for the broadcasters. No matter how many times they miss the playoffs in Detroit, however, fans still love this duo, who have been together nearly 30 years now.<\/p>\n

Redmond, 77, has had multiple serious health setbacks over the years \u2014 including lung cancer \u2014 but continues to offer one of the most entertaining perspectives of any broadcaster in the league.<\/p>\n

Fans praised this team\u2019s ability to offer insights into opponents and the league in general, as well as their encyclopedic knowledge of the Red Wings.<\/p>\n

\u201cMickey Redmond and Ken Daniels are Detroit legends who have more chemistry than Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in \u2018Grease.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey provide great play-by-play calling and team\/player insights. They have fun when they do their broadcasts. Ken Daniels does a great job of keeping the energy up regardless of who scores a goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust give them the award now.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

(Illustration: Will Tullos \/ The Athletic; John McDonnell, Gerry Thomas, Jonathan Newton, Andy Devlin, Dave Reginek \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n