Continuing a trend that began after the Winter Olympics, Versus will load up on NHL action during the 2010-11 season.
Versus will air 78 NHL telecasts during the 2010-11 season, thirteen more than during 2009-10 and the most ever on the network. Of those 78 telecasts, 53 will be exclusive and 25 will be so-called ‘bonus’ games.
The network will open the season with three games on October 7 — Hurricanes/Wild from Finland at 12 PM ET, Penguins/Flyers at 7 PM and Blackhawks/Avalanche at 10 PM. Total, Versus will air nine games during the first week of the season, including three other games from overseas.
The usual suspects will make the most appearances on Versus, with the Red Wings, Penguins, Capitals, Rangers, Bruins and the defending champion Blackhawks making 11 appearances each. Meanwhile, the runner-up Flyers, the Sabres and the Wild will make 9 appearances.
