NHL dumps ABC, signs deal with NBC

NEW YORK - NBC will broadcast NHL games the next two seasons under a revenue-sharing deal, replacing ABC as the league’s broadcast partner.

(NBC is a partner in the joint venture that runs NBCSports.com.)

The deal, announced Wednesday, will call for NBC to broadcast seven regular-season games beginning in January and six playoff games in regular Saturday afternoon time slots. The network also will televise Games 3-7 of the Stanley Cup finals in prime time.

The two-year agreement may be renewed for an additional two years at NBC’s option. The deal is subject to approval by the league’s board.

For NBC, which last did NHL regular-season games 29 years ago, the deal represents a move back into televising major professional team sports. In recent years, the network has focused on events like the Olympics, Triple Crown horse racing and Notre Dame football while competitors had the NFL, NHL, NBA and major league baseball.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5009347/

Let's all just hope San Jose wins tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO FLAMES!!!