NHL Should Have A “RedZone” Like Product Called “NHL Power Play”

Every year when the NFL season starts, we all collectively talk about how much we love the NFL RedZone channel. The channel was launched way back in 2009, and it was one of those lightbulb moments that made us ask why this wasn’t around since football’s inception. Of course, that’s a little disingenuous, but the point is still the same. The NFL has itself a moneymaker that makes fans happy. It’s the famous win-win that the NFL doesn’t get very often.

As you can probably guess by now, this isn’t a New Jersey Devils article, but it’s close. Imagine if fans across the globe had access to Jack Hughes shooting the puck off a goalie’s mask, Timo Meier’s brunt force scoring goals, or Miles Wood going 100 MPH without brakes into the net. It would be anything that’s must-see TV on at all times. The Devils are one of the most exciting teams in the league, and we want to grow this fanbase. Something like NFL RedZone could help build that fanbase.

Credit where credit is due: this particular discussion comes from Bratt Pack pointing out how great NFL RedZone is to the sports broadcasting industry.. It’s been discussed within different Devils circles, and our point remains the same every time. Find certain dates on the calendar where there will be a large contingent of games and make that an “NHL Power Play” day.

Here’s how it would work: the channel (whether streaming or on cable, likely through NHL Network) would promise to show every single goal, like RedZone shows every touchdown. Obviously, that’s a bigger ask, but it can be done. RedZone doesn’t show every touchdown live, so Power Play could promise the same thing. Power plays would be shown live and get priority. The league can figure out a way to make power plays come with fewer commercials to make this more palatable.

If there are no power plays at a particular moment, the focus would be on offensive zone faceoffs or possession. We’re looking for the highest likelihood that we see a goal or a big scoring chance.

There would have to be six games going on at once, and eight would work better. It could be a once-per-week show that airs either on the NHL Network or maybe the NHL App for your smart TV or streaming device. This would bring a new audience to areas where the NHL wants to grow its audience. Maybe they add something to the ESPN+ package to provide more value to the sport as these entities look at new ways to make money.

However it’s set up, it’s a money maker for the NHL. All they need to do is find their Scott Hanson. P.K. Subban would be a fun option, but our vote is for ESPN’s Arda Ocal.