Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The NHL has once again changed the schedule of a game in the series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres.
The potential Game 7 has been moved to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 18 at KeyBank Center.
And this is exactly the kind of change that is starting to frustrate fans on both sides.
“Schedule update: the potential Game 7 between the Canadiens and the Sabres is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on May 18.”
The game would be broadcast on ESPN in the United States.
In Canada, on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.
NHL playoff scheduling changes continue frustrating Canadiens and Sabres fans
That now makes three different start times for this second-round series.
Most of the games have been played at 7 p.m.
And now, the potential Game 7 would be played at 7:30 p.m. Monday night.
This is exactly the kind of scheduling that shows the NHL is struggling to manage its playoff calendar.
The schedule change is once again probably tied to television broadcasts.
The NHL has to juggle ESPN in the United States along with Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports in Canada.
Several series are taking place at the same time.
So the league has to find compromises that are not always popular, but it is starting to become irritating.
It is still rare to see this many schedule changes within the same second-round series.
There is no consistency in terms of routine.
Obviously, the Canadiens would probably prefer to avoid a Game 7 altogether.
The Canadiens head into Game 5 tonight with the series tied 2-2.
A win tonight at KeyBank Center would put the team just one victory away from the Eastern Conference Final.
But if the series does indeed go the distance, fans will have to adjust to a third different start time.
For Martin St-Louis and his players, it is also a detail that has to be incorporated into their preparation.
Playing at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. represents a slightly different routine.
The rhythm of pre-game preparations has to be adjusted.
But the main objective remains winning tonight to avoid having to get there.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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NHL announces time change for potential Sabres-Canadiens Game 7 in Buffalo
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