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TNT Shakes Up NHL Playoffs Coverage With Bold New Broadcast Strategy

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 10:15 AM ET

The NHL playoffs have the best broadcasting in the sporting industry, but TNT was not live on the scene; however, that will likely all change going forward.

If you've been glued to the Stanley Cup Playoffs on TNT, chances are you've gotten the sense that something's felt slightly off.

While ESPN and Sportsnet have gone full bore to send their full complement of broadcast staff to each and every venue, TNT's been covering the games remotely from Atlanta, Georgia.

Yes, you heard correctly, despite the energy and intensity involved in live playoff hockey, TNT has opted to keep its commentators hundreds of miles from the ice, calling games from a studio setup rather than in the arena.

The decision has raised a healthy dose of criticism, and for good reason. The involved feeling that accompanies live, in-arena coverage is hard to replicate from a distance.

Fans and critics alike have complained about the lack of atmosphere and authenticity in TNT's remote broadcasts. Fortunately, it seems like the network has heard the outcry.

TNT broadcasters will be live on-site starting with Round 2

Starting with the next round of playoffs, TNT will begin sending its announcers to every game in person, a relief to viewers starved for a more authentic experience.

There was growing worry that such cost-cutting would be the new trend across all sports broadcasting.

Rogers, for example, had already shown that it was willing to reduce costs, and Sportsnet was everyone's worst nightmare of going down the same route.

With TNT having reversed course, maybe the other networks will always go to the in-person approach and quality, on-site coverage.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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