NBA Playoffs vs. NHL Playoffs

Well, the NBA playoffs have begun today, and this being a blog about sports, I thought I should comment on them. So, here's my comment on them. I wish the NHL playoffs were more widely televised instead. Even though game 1 of the Cleveland/Washington series is on my T.V. right now, that is more a product that it is currently 12:54 on a Saturday afternoon, and there is nothing else on.

I simply do not like NBA basketball. Give me college basketball any day. However, this entry is not meant to go into the differences of the two brands of basketball. Instead, I will talk about why I would rather be watching the NHL playoffs instead.

First, the NHL playoffs are more exciting than the NBA playoffs. There are many reasons for this, a couple of which will be discussed in the next two points, but simply put, the NHL is more exciting. The complaint that there is not enough scoring in hockey is hogwash. Yes, I said hogwash. The amount of scoring in the game has no relation to the quality or excitement of the game. In fact, I believe that the infrequency of goals is what adds to the excitement of hockey.

Secondly, NHL players are more passionate about the game. I know that NBA players talk a lot talk before, during and after the games, and will show emotion during the games, but that does not compare to NHL players. I have watched a lot of games in my life, and I cannot think of any sport other than hockey where the team plays harder for the entire game.

Finally, NHL players have less of an ego than NBA players. How often do you see stories on Sportscenter about an NHL player running their mouth about how great they are? Very rarely, if ever. How often do you see stories about an NBA player expressing their greatness? Quite often. Sometimes, I believe that many NBA players want to win to simply to prove to everyone else of how great they are. In contrast, in hockey, they want to win to become part of the tradition of the Stanely Cup.

These were just a few reasons I wish the NHL playoffs were shown more frequently on stations that I actually get. If you agree or disagree, let your opinion be known.