Versus, Comcast SportNet Skate With NHL Series

Regional Sports Networks To Carry Versus Programming Tied To Caps-Flyers

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 4/10/2008 12:58:00 PM

Versus is teaming with a pair of Comcast regional sports network linemates on its coverage of the National Hockey League playoff series between the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.

Viewers of Comcast SportsNet, regional television home to the Capitals and Flyers, will find exclusive national playoff previews, highlight and wrap-ups from Versus' NHL studio experts Bill Patrick, Keith Jones and Brian Engblom. Versus, the NHL’s exclusive national cable carrier, is also owned by Comcast.

Each night the two regionals carry the Flyers-Capitals series --  the best-of-seven series faces off April 11 --Comcast SportsNet’s pre-game coverage will include a five-minute Versus national playoff preview live at 5:30 p.m. (ET) alternating between Comcast SportsNet’s Mid-Atlantic and Philadelphia networks. Versus will also produce a daily national playoff wrap-up, including highlights and studio analysis, airing during Comcast SportsNet’s locally produced SportsRise morning news programs.

NHL coverage delivered significant ratings gains for Versus, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia during the just completed 2007-2008 regular season: the services rang up respective increases of 50% (nationally), 75% (a 0 .7 within the Washington DMA) and 47% (a 2.2 in the Philadelphia market), according to Comcast officials.