Isles garner only one national game on NBC Sports schedule

The New York Islanders were only able to get one nationally televised game on NHL’s NBC Sports schedule.  The 2018-19 schedule was released today.  Contrary to the Islanders, the New York Rangers received 14 games on the national schedule.

It’s no surprise that the Islanders aren’t a factor in the nationally marketed games.  They haven’t had more than two nationally televised games in five years and are consistently one of the lowest drawing teams in the league.  The loss of John Tavares and uncertainty facing the franchise does not help their cause either.

The new NHL on NBC schedule has a bit of a different format this season.  They’re trying to showcase some of the smaller market teams, including the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Arizona Coyotes.  They still have a hefty amount of games involving Original Six franchises, including a league high 19 games for the Chicago Blackhawks.  The first national game of the season is on October 3rd, where the Boston Bruins visit the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals.

The Islanders may open up the NBC scheduling in 2021, when the arena at Belmont Park is due to be finished.  If it is, fans will be seeing a lot more of the Islanders.  Even so, the Islanders will be available every other game on MSG+.