There seem to be quite a few power plays (and it particular 5-on-3s) given out this year.  Does it make it more exciting to watch, or does it take away from the game?
209487
Gary Bettman is the Devil [and not from Jersey].  They've had to revamp the entire game because they moved from successful small markets to unsuccessful large markets.  And they're still failing to attract fans.\n\nI'd like the calls if they were good.  Far too many appear to be just to make it look like they want to call a tight game.  And you can still pull a gun in the last 5 minutes and not get called for it.
464718
During college football season, they play old college games.  they will go back to playing old NBA games when football season is over.\n\nPlus, i'm sure they've done some market research to find out that a majority of their viewers would rather watch old football games rather than old hockey or basketball games.
16566
There are actually different selections for the 3 stars of the game.  Depending on what coverage you watch or listen to (for the radio) or if you watch it live.  Rarely are the 3 stars the same for those in attendance, watching home team coverage on TV, watching the visiting team coverage on TV or listening to the radio.\n\nSo, the answer to your question is typically the broadcast team you are watching/listening to.  The staff at the arena picks the stars for those in attendance.
546420
You can pretty much call it anything when your championship game is watched by more people than any other sports championship game.\n\nCoach
638023
Yes absolutely. \nGhana is fun to watch, and it is sad they are out so early. It is shame boring dull teams like Ukraine are progressing because the tournament roster and good teams have to go home, denying us chance of watching some good games.
342343
I think it has to do with it being football season. If it were baseball season, there would be more baseball stuff. ESPN always has its "Instant Classics" during the season. I'm sure that then the NBA heats up, you will see more NBA stuff on there, although I'm not sure about the NHL, seeing how ESPN no longer carries it. They just go with whatever is the major sport at the time.
258328
HECK YEAH it's gonna be fun! For the first time in a long time the playoffs are actually proving to be ENTERTAINING ( if only the refs would let the players decide the game more, though)! There is no SURE THING this year, which I think only adds to the fascination! Personally I see it being Spurs and Heat in the finals, but who knows?! All I do know, is that it is going to be a great race to the end....! =)
186285
I used to be a fan of the NBA in the late 80's into the early 90's.  The Larry Bird/Magic Johnson rival along with Michael Jordan's dominance was a great time for basketball.  Since then it seems as though the game has gotten away from the team concept.\n\nLook at the scores, they isolate one-on-one matchups with the big stars (kobe, iverson, shaq, etc) and NO ONE plays defense.  If they got back to a team game, like the college style, it would be a lot more interesting.  There seems to be no intensity in the game any more.
164422
It's made regulation time more important and games more interesting. In past seasons, before O/T and shootouts, if teams were tied going into the third period, both were more likely to play for the tie and get at least one point rather than zero. That meant that games became boring and a lot of games ended as ties. Fans were bored and the owners realized they needed fans. However, it was recognized that since the teams were tied at the end of regulation both deserved one point. Now comes the interesting part. To make the game more exciting for fans, the teams get the chance for another point by playing O/T with four aside. If still tied, then comes the shootout. Fans are rewarded with the more exciting play in OT/Shootout and the winning teams gets the extra point for their winning effort. The losing team still gets to keep their single point. The whole purpose is to please, attract and hold fans with more exciting hockey.
373337
I think you should if it's like for the championship or something but not for a regular season game
527612
It has!!!! Most games now are spent batting the puck around or else the old dump and chase game! U don't see many pretty plays anymore!!! I don't know what's up with some of these answers here either, the NHL is coma inducing! The NHL has too many teams and too little talent!!!!
467404
I used to be a fan until they have changed the sport.  Use to be an all American sport, not anymore.  I am not sure what you would like to know because there is a lot to the sport.  I would suggest watching it on tv because the do a really good job explaining everthing from the cars to the points and more.
506411
No, the Clippers don't get to have the "Lights Out".  But as a Laker fan, I really like it because it draws ur attention more to the game.  It's kinda like a spotlight.  The Clippers should think about doing it, but as of right now only the Lakers have it.
347212
it is there, actually its under best post season moment instead of best play.\n\nAs a die hard Mets fan and baseball fan, that was the best play of the season.\n\nHis name is Endy Chavez by the way.
223647
They put more emphasis this year on games against teams in the same division, and then within the same conference.  The schedule was done like that this year to try to promote divisional rivalries.  It turned out to be very unpopular, so they will most likely go back to having more inter-conference games next year.
558110
I agree with you 100%!!! What a disppointment! After a full season of zero-tolerance, which was truly entertaining with up-tempo hockey, hard checks, and excitement, we are now not only back to the boarding and interference you mentioned, but also the cross checks, hooking, holding. clutching, and trippings. \n\nIt's like two different games, which is why so many high ranked teams got knocked out in the play-offs, IMO. Really sad and disappointing, really.
260582
Neither one is all that exciting to me. Basketball has too much scoring, soccer not nearly enough. But given the choice, I would much rather watch a basketball game. Some of the plays those guys make are incredible, but I've never seen a soccer play that really impressed me.\n\nAnd for those people who say basketball isn't international, it really is. It's played in about as many countries as soccer is.