Sportsnet confirms huge change to Oilers playoff broadcast, and new promotion
Photo credit: OilersNation
The Edmonton Oilers will be advancing to the Western Conference Final, but Sportsnet has confirmed that Jack Michaels will not be on the TV broadcast any longer.
Sportsnet announced Chris Cuthbert and Craig Simpson will be taking over the call from Michaels and Louie DeBrusk. However, Gene Principe is getting a bump to stay with the team.
Jack Michaels and Louie DeBrusk off Oilers TV Broadcast, Gene Principe returning
It's tough to see Michaels now departing the Oilers playoff broadcast after a great first two rounds. Oilers fans petitioned Sportsnet for years to get Michaels on the call, and he delivered with his incredible energy on the biggest stage.
Michaels himself has issued a statement thanking fans for their support through the playoffs, and reassuring them that he'll still be calling games on the radio alongside Bob Stauffer.
While Michaels and DeBrusk are departing, it's fantastic to see Principe recognized as an integral piece of the Oilers broadcast and promoted to keep working with the National crew. If anyone deserves it, it's Gene.
Chris Cuthbert will take over Oilers playoff broadcasts on Sportsnet
The switch to Cuthbert's crew for television broadcasts is simply a decision based on seniority. The Oilers series is now Sportsnet's top draw for the rest of the playoffs, and Cuthbert is their most seasoned National broadcaster.
For the bigger games of the year, TV prefers a more balanced energy of play by play - instead of Michaels' unabashedly supporting the Edmonton Oilers.
As their regional broadcaster and a true fan of the team, Michaels genuine energy cheering for the Oilers comes through in his calls for incredible moments, like Kapanen's overtime series winner.
Hopefully Michaels can return for playoff broadcasts again next year, and maybe keep plugging along a bit further than the second round. He won't be gone though, and plenty of fans will be synching up their radios with TVs to hear Michaels' call.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 767 ANSWERS Sportsnet confirms huge change to Oilers playoff broadcast, and new promotion Do you think Jack Michaels should call all Oilers playoff games on TV? | ||
| Yes | 682 | 88.9 % |
| No | 85 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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