Rogers and Sportsnet's exclusive NHL national broadcast rights in Canada has hit a new low
this season. According to YYZSportsMedia, executives
at Rogers believe the show is in "desperate need" of a complete overhaul. Viewer response has been on a steady decline, with
many this season sharing MUCH displeasure with the intermission betting segment during every broadcast. Furthermore, YYZ states that the Maple Leafs failing to
make it past the first round and no Canadian team in the final will certainly not help viewership.
Per YYZ, a lone bright spot for "Hockey Night in Canada" has been Kevin Bieksa, as many viewers
resonate with his candid hockey analysis.
All of this taken into account points to the end of Ron
MacLean's run with HNIC, as Rogers hopes to compete
with younger demographics, similar to what TNT has
done.