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[–]A_WILD_ABRA_APPEARED 29 points30 points ago

Jack Edwar... HAHAHAHAHAHA Oh god sorry I can't do this.

[–]RumBox 19 points20 points ago

In fairness, he's at least fun to listen to and not a total idiot. Of course, he's also batshit insane and a huge homer so you have to take him with more grains of salt than are on the average user of McDonalds fries.

[–]A_WILD_ABRA_APPEARED 12 points13 points ago

Don't worry, I'm not bashing Jack. As a Bruins fan, he's a lot of fun to listen to. I would just never look to him for bipartisan and well thought out opinion.

[–]iphigeneia5 2 points3 points ago

I love to just hear the random shit that comes out of his mouth though. How can you not love that sexy voice?

[–]bfudge 8 points9 points ago

I loved when he went Defcon 5,000 on Benoit Pouliot in Game 3 of last year's playoff, calling him "the greatest disappointment in talent in NHL history" then Pouliot signed with the B's this season...AWKWARD...

[–]manmanman1 25 points26 points ago

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Elliotte Friedman. Maybe he's not that well known, but he's got some really interesting insight on different aspects of hockey... He consistently says smart things about the game (which is saying a lot for some analysts). I highly recommend following him on Twitter for his "30 Things" story every week: @FriedgeHNIC

[–]kcanuck 2 points3 points ago

I will say this. I really enjoy his written work, but for some reason I cannot stand him on TV.

[–]Homsie 180 points181 points ago*

bob mckenzie

[–]LeutDan 30 points31 points ago

This man is the only reason I have a twitter account

[–]KCKC 5 points6 points ago

To save people from repeating what I just did (Google, Click, Follow): https://twitter.com/#!/tsnbobmckenzie

[–]Panda_Bowl 8 points9 points ago

Alyonka Larionov...

/drool

[–]wob_wob_wob 9 points10 points ago

i second that

[–]sepultura 3 points4 points ago

I think everyone can agree on that one.

[–]stephenlethbridge 4 points5 points ago

He's the supreme lord of hockey in my books.

[–]CornerSolution 2 points3 points ago

Really? Aside from being one of the first ones to break hockey news, I've never heard him say anything terribly interesting. Usually amounts to, "Well, in talking to people around the league, x might happen. But on the other hand, x might also not happen."

[–]5aggregates 44 points45 points ago

the ESPN 1990's era Gary Thorne and Bill Clement

[–]sadbone 12 points13 points ago

Thank you. For me this was hockey commentary at its best. Plus Barry Melrose and Brian Engblom, made watching hockey in the 90s fantastic. That and the Avs/Red Wings rivalry was amazing.

[–]5aggregates 1 point2 points ago

Yes. And the NHL's marketing dept. had not invented shootouts yet.

[–]bearpoo 4 points5 points ago

This. Also, Darren Pang and Dave Strader. My biased opinion goes to Ken Daniels (I was really surprised when I heard how well he broadcasts national games after so many years doing just Wings games. He seems to do very good research before the games)

[–]pateyhfx 67 points68 points ago

Bob MacKenzie and Darren Dreger are the best.

[–]JustJoshWasTaken 12 points13 points ago

Ralph Strangis and Daryl "Razor" Reaugh

[–]DaRabidMonkey 5 points6 points ago

Yeah, I always liked them, but now that I live in Boston, I like them a whole lot more. I've seen a lot more games with different broadcasters now, and it's sometimes painful to listen to some of the other commentators, in comparison.

[–]thedoctor692 5 points6 points ago

how is it that Dallas has 2 of the best announcers? love their calls...

[–]Detonation 13 points14 points ago

I love Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond.

[–]algnc 8 points9 points ago

John Forslund is one of the best. Always glad when I can hear him on a national game.

[–]shaffeasy 10 points11 points ago*

Where's the love for Mike Lange?

[–]pittjosh81 4 points5 points ago

I was thinking the same thing as I read through here. Crazy catch phrases aside, he calls a great game. Him and Borque compliment each other well.

[–]DZ302 46 points47 points ago

Chris Cuthbert is the best play-by-play.

[–]imcool6 23 points24 points ago

"SIDNEY CROSBY! THE GOLDEN GOAL"

dat call.

[–]RedBandit 4 points5 points ago

Still get shivers just thinking about that call.

[–]arise_chicken 12 points13 points ago

I wouldn't exactly call it shivers. More like nausea.

[–]deliciouswolves 14 points15 points ago

I'd say Chris Cuthbert and Ray Ferraro make the best tandem in hockey.

[–]bruins4777 1 point2 points ago

ray ferraro is terrible

[–]DZ302 6 points7 points ago

I'm not a huge fan of Ray Ferraro, then again I'm not a huge fan of any colour commentator I've ever heard.

I don't mind Kevin Weeks, but he just doesn't have the voice for it.

[–]fallway 3 points4 points ago

Yeah Chris Cuthbert is great for play-by-play. I also like Jim Hughson a lot.

[–]darrrrrren 3 points4 points ago

Yep, has the best voice for sure.

[–]djs9pd 66 points67 points ago

Darren Pang is always good.

[–]PsychoJunky 36 points37 points ago

My favourite non-racial line he's ever used, "He's big, he's bald, he's Alex Auld."

[–]stephenlethbridge 16 points17 points ago

Panger is super underrated. He also provides that bonafide goaltending analysis that TSN is pretty much lacking (sorry Jamie McLennan).

[–]Panda_Bowl 5 points6 points ago

I love how he is constantly making fun of himself and his goaltending ability. Just a good guy.

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points ago

When Pang is in for Ferraro I do a happy dance!

[–]LeafFan13 4 points5 points ago

I almost hate Ray Ferraro as much as Pierre McGuire...almost.

[–]GrammarOutlaw 7 points8 points ago

the right way

[–]Flabbergastivity 4 points5 points ago

And why wouldn't he be?

[–]wantonprivateer 1 point2 points ago

Pang never seems to have a bad night. Though he might want to work on a new catch phrase soon.

[–]djs9pd 4 points5 points ago

I think he just watches a lot of the Adam West Batman and has Robin's lines stored away in his brain. They can only find their way out when he's excited

[–]YouFeelShame 2 points3 points ago

Maybe it's just an anti Blackhawk thing he has during our games but he's a homer IMO, downvote away

[–]leipzig18 46 points47 points ago

Jim hughson and his partner Craig Simpson are always good. I woul say best pair in the league. Elliott Friedman isn't bad either, nor is Kevin weekes. Forgot ray Ferraro too. I like his color commentary

[–]teachowski 12 points13 points ago

I like these. At first I didn't like Friedman but he was real young and looked immature. But he is a solid interviewer.

[–]poioiu 10 points11 points ago

I also love Friedman's "30 Thoughts" articles, I think he's overshadowed a bit on CBC with Cherry and Mclean, he deserves more credit than he gets

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]ojoil 2 points3 points ago

My favourite Jim Hughson moment.

Last year, one of the games in the Finals with a high score.

It was 3-0 for the Bruins, and Jim and Craig are going on and on about the Canucks. Then, "I wouldn't say they're out of this game just y-" as he's interrupted by the puck going off the post, into the net. 4-0 Bruins. HAH

[–]Lord_Von_Fappington 8 points9 points ago

Simpson is a buffoon, Hughson deserves so much better.

[–]wob_wob_wob 4 points5 points ago

hate Simpson, but Jim Hughson is great

[–]avens19 9 points10 points ago

A Canucks fan would love Hughson. He should wear a jersey and a foam finger for how much he cheers for them during the call

[–]Lord_Von_Fappington 8 points9 points ago

Bob MacKenzie, Jim Hughson, Kelly Hrudy, Darren Dreger to name a few.

[–]GeologySucks 5 points6 points ago

I love when Hrudy talks about his hockey career and gets all emotional. Also he's, at the very least, competent nearly all of the time.

[–]timmins 10 points11 points ago

Roenick.

Just kidding.

[–]Gatoroid 10 points11 points ago*

Still, this was beautiful. He's not the greatest analyst, but his passion for the game isn't matched by any other TV personality. I like him a lot.

[–]Abbrv2Achv 2 points3 points ago

Still, this was beautiful.

You'd be surprised how many fucking morons here in Chicago made fun of him for that. Funny how someone who brings your team to a Stanley Cup final and several playoff runs becomes a target 20 years later.

[–]Gatoroid 3 points4 points ago

Yeah man, I'm from Chicago too (the Nordiques logo is just for fun, I like to switch it up) and I got into a couple arguments about it. I don't understand how you can hate on someone that is that passionate about the team and never wanted to leave. I will always respect JR for that.

[–]Abbrv2Achv 1 point2 points ago

I do dig the Nordiques logo. Makes me feel old now that since Adam Foote retired there are no more active Nordiques... IMO they should've gotten their franchise back before the Jets, but that's a different story, haha.

But yeah, the irony with some of the newer Hawks fans is mind-boggling. Roenick gets traded unwillingly, and now everyone hates him. Bobby Hull leaves not only the Blackhawks but the NHL to play in the WHA for a salary no NHL team could match, and he gets a standing ovation every game.

Now, I love both Bobby and JR, and they both deserve standing ovations. But if people are going to call JR out for being traded, then they should follow up with the Golden Jet.

[–]timmins 2 points3 points ago

Don't get me wrong, it would be impossible for me to hate him. That was truly an exceptional moment.

However, not every hockey great is destined for full-time color commentary gigs.

[–]Gatoroid 4 points5 points ago*

He isn't the greatest at analysis but he brings excitement and fun to every game, which I think is important too. They usually have 2-3 other guys there for analysis, so it isn't like he's really taking away from the broadcast.

[–]Abbrv2Achv 4 points5 points ago*

but he brings excitement and fun to every game, which I think is important too.

This. Thank you. Yes, Roenick is goofy and over the top, but it beats listening to McGuire and Milbury blow hot air out their asses for an hour. Roenick doesn't take a single thing away from the broadcast, if anything he adds to it.

Take a note from Don Cherry's book. Hockey analysis shouldn't be like NPR.

[–]Gatoroid 4 points5 points ago

Exactly. He's never going to be one to over-analyze or do a ton of research, but he brings a lot to the table as far as having a truly genuine perspective and telling it like it is.

[–]Abbrv2Achv 1 point2 points ago

When he was saying on NHL Overtime that we've heard enough about Crosby, and don't need to check in with him every day to find out there's no new news about his situation, I think a lot of people clapped, myself included.

[–]brownsound00 2 points3 points ago

Ok, he might not be the best analyst, but he is really entertaining, and still knows what he's talking about.

[–]glovesoff11 7 points8 points ago

I miss Bill Clement

[–]a7xrob87 41 points42 points ago

Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond

[–]spoonyfork 9 points10 points ago

I loves me some Mickey.

  • “Here we go!”
  • “Look out!”
  • “BINGO BANGO!”
  • “Holy jumpin!”
  • “... got his bell rung.”
  • “Oh my!”
  • “Goodness gracious!”
  • “Slow it down right here, gang.”
  • “Holy Mackerel!”
  • “Son-of-a-gun!”
  • “What is this league coming to?”
  • “You could throw a blanket on ‘em.”
  • “Holmstrom gets more attention around the net than a pretty girl at closing time!”
  • “Johnny on the spot”
  • “Shot out of a cannon”
  • “Oye youye youye!”
  • “He had (insert goalie here) out on Fort Street!”
  • “Rockin’ at the Joe”
  • “Can you believe it?!”

[–]eye_patch_willy 7 points8 points ago

Gotta give some love to Ken Kal and Paul Woods on the radio. Great Canadian accents and chemistry.

[–]h3110m0t0 17 points18 points ago

Hallafamer Larry Murphy haha

[–]partytimeusa420 16 points17 points ago

Hot Dog Enthusiast Larry Murphy

[–]a7xrob87 4 points5 points ago

What ever happened to dollar dog night. I have not heard of even 1 so far this year.

[–]praisedawings247 5 points6 points ago

"That Miller Light looks delicious" --every.time.

[–]partytimeusa420 4 points5 points ago

every so often you can hear him go "mmmm" during the miller lite play of the game promo thing.

[–]a7xrob87 8 points9 points ago

The 3 of them need to commentate every game....seriously.

[–]redwings27 8 points9 points ago

Mickey is the best for sure. That guy knows what's up. "Holy jumpin'!"

[–]a7xrob87 5 points6 points ago

Holy jumpin, look out, hey gang. He's such a boss.

[–]HockeyPancake 5 points6 points ago

[–]vigilantepro 14 points15 points ago

I obviously biased being a Sharks fan, but Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda make a great commentating team.

[–]Rapturelover 5 points6 points ago

Sharks have some of the best commentators I've heard from opposing teams.

[–]bmox 4 points5 points ago

i dig bret hedican when he's on there, as well as jamie baker and dan rusinowski doing radio commentary

[–]spaceisfun 2 points3 points ago

Drew can get on my nerves a bit when he completely overreacts to blown calls and the inner homer in him comes out in full force, buy I love me some Randy Hahn. He knows how to keep games interesting.

[–]adam1304 7 points8 points ago

John Davidson. He was so good, the Blues made him their president!

[–]MrShowtime 13 points14 points ago

Bob MacKenzie for the hockey knowledge, Darren Dreger for the insight, & Aaron Ward for the suits.

[–]king_ghost 2 points3 points ago

upvote cause Aaron Ward's suits are beastly

[–]pekka_rinne 5 points6 points ago

Here's a ranking of all the NHL home-team broadcasters. I can't say I agree with everything on it, but it's a good list to open discussion about some of the less-known commentators.

[–]mitokon 6 points7 points ago

Jim Fox from LA, while maybe coming off as obsequious by being a little too forgiving of officials' mistakes, is as fair and balanced as you're going to get from the commentator's seat. If you have CIP stay up long enough to watch Kings' broadcasts for the Bob Miller & Jim Fox experience (because you won't see many goals).

The other two California teams' crews are abhorrent, but thankfully, in the Pacific division, Dallas's announcers are phenomenally entertaining. If the Kings are off and I'm going to watch some hockey, I will choose a Dallas game just because Strangis & Reaugh are great. Upvotes to everyone who has mentioned them already.

[–]00austin 3 points4 points ago

Upvotes abound. Bob Miller is excellent. He and Jim Fox work very well together.
And that's not just because I'm a Kings fan.

[–]rvdh74 11 points12 points ago

Add Damien Cox to that hatred list. It seems like everybody that knows him, hates him.

[–]DillonJMcGuire 2 points3 points ago

I never followed him closely but he invited my hatred when he scolded leafs fans for giving Kaberle a standing-o in his return to the ACC that March. Was bitching about how the fans weren't making ACC a tough place to play in with the cheering

What a joke

[–]mattattaxx 3 points4 points ago

He's just a sensationalist shill. Doesn't write anything worth the time to read it.

[–]dbarefoot 26 points27 points ago

Jim Hughson is the most accurate commentator I've ever heard.

[–]hurlarious 8 points9 points ago

thoughts on him being a homer? thats the only criticism ive heard about him...

i also think we were spoiled having him for so long...

[–]timperry42 6 points7 points ago

He is a homer in the sense that he talks about the canucks way more than the other team. Not in the way that he has a bias opinion regarding teams and calls, which is the real problem with most Homers. He just gives Vancouver fans the stats and commentary they want to hear.

[–]DillonJMcGuire 3 points4 points ago

As a Leafs fan who hears him every saturday, i find it a bit annoying that he drones about the Canucks, but in general he tends to salivate about non-leaf teams and often doesn't recognize when the leafs do make good plays. It's more of a balance thing.

I'm not saying he should be more of a homer but he often misses great plays from leaf players, and healy only makes that broadcast worse.

TL;DR I miss Bob Cole

[–]Sheriff_Gene_Freak 8 points9 points ago

I loooovvveeee me some Panger!

[–]pooks3190 22 points23 points ago

Pat Foley and Eddie OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[–]Senorsty 11 points12 points ago

Eddie's always looking out for the young hockey players.

[–]pooks3190 11 points12 points ago

stop it right there!

[–]DoubleAW 6 points7 points ago

Pat Foley is an excellent commentator. He always has something interesting to say and he gets equally excited about the other team making a great play as he does for the hawks.

[–]Blackneto 2 points3 points ago

I love when we play the Preds and he says PEKKARINNE!

[–]Gatoroid 1 point2 points ago

They're great other than the inside jokes. Them laughing for a minute straight while the play is going on gets kind of annoying after a while.

[–]Jon3 3 points4 points ago

Eddie is a huge homer for the Blackhawks. When he is on NBCSN I cringe.

[–]a7xrob87 1 point2 points ago

How about Roenick. He takes it over the top with the Hawks. He was crying harder than any of the players when they won the cup.

[–]kylmorg 15 points16 points ago

Jonesy

[–]unityskater 40 points41 points ago

Doc Emrick

[–]BannedINDC 18 points19 points ago

Across to Malkin and a DRIVE!

[–]bsmite7 9 points10 points ago

gah, and here comes Zetterberg and a DRIVE!

[–]Revofev92 4 points5 points ago

Honey I was thinking we should go to the movies and a DRIVE!

[–]Stones25 4 points5 points ago

OH MY! A little Helter Skelter there for a bit.

[–]SilkieJawnson 3 points4 points ago

RICOCHET!

[–]Level2Pidgey 7 points8 points ago

VAR LAW MAWV

[–]NotMyBike 8 points9 points ago

Gotta love Doc, too bad he left the Devils for NBC Sports :-(

[–]Forbichoff 6 points7 points ago

Did he really? I didn't know that, knewhis contract was up but figured he'd stay in brick city. Who does the games for them now?

Only announcer to get the word skittered in at least twice a period.

[–]NotMyBike 7 points8 points ago

Yeah after last season. He had been doing both (Devils games and traveling for NBC games) but he said during the offseason that while he loved working with the Devils it was just getting hard to do both at his age. So he chose Versus/NBC, and I can't blame him, obviously the better career move is to go national, so good for him.

EDIT: I forgot to answer your second question, Steve Cangialosi now does play-by-play for the Devils, with Chico still doing color. Doc did come back to MC the Niedermayer jersey retirement ceremony too.

[–]ascagnel 2 points3 points ago

Even worse, he hasn't called any games this season.

Also, holy shit four goals in 3 minutes.

[–]unityskater 3 points4 points ago

I like Steve is the full time announcer now, not as good as doc but a pretty good replacement in my opinion. Also he does the Red Bulls games

[–]equallyunequal 4 points5 points ago

I feel bad for Doc, he tries harder than anyone else, and he's actually pretty skilled; but i cannot stand his voice, he would make a great coach though.

[–]J0llyR0ger 9 points10 points ago

That's why we loved him so much in NJ. He was next to Chico, so we got all the effort he puts in, great knowledge, and didn't notice his voice because Chico's was annoying enough.

I also have nothing but respect for this guy. I would wait in line for 30 or so games throughout each season, sometimes for very long periods of time. When it was a big game and Doc knew people would be in line early, he'd buy popcorn or coffee and give it to the people in line to share. Class A guy.

[–]willenium3000 5 points6 points ago

My favourite is when John Garret talks about the products sponsoring the broadcast and how much his family likes/dislikes them.

[–]Catsler 2 points3 points ago

We often hear "favorite in the Garrett household", but I can't reember hearing anything negative about a 'sponsoring product'. Examples?

[–]lovevolcano 5 points6 points ago

I honestly can't stand Jim Hughson but I know he is really popular. I don't know what is is, but he really grinds my gears. Christ Cuthbert is my favourite play-by-play guy. Ferraro is good colour, but sometimes I honestly miss Pierre (Only because I actually played the drinking game on a regular basis).Mackenzie and Dreger are both great at what they do.

[–]Marcob10 3 points4 points ago

After tolerating Benoit Brunet for 3 years as play by play analyst, Marc Denis seems to be a god among game analysts.

The best french analyst is Dany Dubé though.

[–]smallsco 3 points4 points ago

Anyone else love John Shorthouse?

[–]13143 1 point2 points ago

The best guy the cesspool known as ESPN has, Barry Melrose. Deserves more air time.

[–]tracerbullet__pi 9 points10 points ago

Joe Beninati. I think he is one of the best in the league.

[–]commentastic 3 points4 points ago

I dislike his tendency to use Caps' nicknames. I watch enough Caps games that it isn't an issue, but it kinda clutters up the call for out-of-towners. I do think the Caps' team does a good job of not taking digs at visiting teams, though.

[–]frank_fukiyama5 3 points4 points ago

jim hughson is good at his job. kelly hrudey seems like a good guy.

unrelated: don cherry is so bad i turn the tv off during "coach's corner" just on principle.

[–]righty 2 points3 points ago

I really liked Gary Thorne. I remember a call he made during a Devils playoff game - I think it was Devils v. Rangers - Broduer was getting peppered and his call went something like

shot, save Brodeur, shot save Brodeur, save Broduer, another save, it's Brodeur against the world

[–]theraoulduke 2 points3 points ago

Ron MacLean

[–]ffejulator 3 points4 points ago

Ralph Strangis and Daryl Reaugh are by far my favorite. "LARCENY!"

[–]JBgroiner 2 points3 points ago

id never thought id say this, but watching the NHL Network, ive come to like Kevin Weekes. the dood knows his shit

[–]rufioherpderp 2 points3 points ago

Craig Laughlin and Benenatti make a great team. Love listening to those guys.

[–]ideabook3 2 points3 points ago

There can only be one: Rick Jeanneret

[–]rockerlkj 9 points10 points ago

Jonesy and Coatsy. Coatsy does the "Between the Glass" thing way better than McGuire

[–]thephenom21 7 points8 points ago

Coatseys corner ftw

[–]Kronos6948 1 point2 points ago

As much as I love the both of them, you have to admit they're big time homers. Nothing wrong with that since they're doing local games, but I doubt that they wouldn't bleed orange and black if they were a national team.

[–]newfie_hiscock 12 points13 points ago

Best Play by Play = Bob Cole and a far second place chris cuthford stats dudes during game = i don't mind kevin weeks or mike johnson

tsn panel dudes would be james duffy i like him, aaron ward seems smart, marc crawford, and Tort's before he went back behind the bench.

Fucking drieger and mackenzie rub me the wrong fucking way

[–]hurlarious 6 points7 points ago

Don Cherry and Ron Mclean

anyone? seriously....part unfiltered theatre, part comedy, part serious hockey

[–]mattattaxx 2 points3 points ago

It's like a full show.

People pay hundreds for the theatre, we get 20 minutes at a time, guaranteed.

[–]kjohns200 32 points33 points ago

Don Cherry

[–]oneofthesedayz 22 points23 points ago

the man speaks truth. crazy, senile truth.

[–]saberhawk 16 points17 points ago*

Don Cherries bad ideas: get rid of touch icing; reduce armour in shoulder and elbow pads; make stanchions safer; get your stick out of the shooting lane on D.

Clearly he has no idea what he's talking about because his suits are ludicrous, and he's a really old right-winger.

edit: my comment looks out of place now that kjohns200's isn't heavily downvoted.

[–]mattattaxx 12 points13 points ago

I think most Canadians watching him agree with him when he talks about stuff like that. Some don't like the overt xenophobia, racism and antifranco attitude.

[–]saberhawk 7 points8 points ago

I'm a french-canadian and I don't think he's shown much of an anti-french canadian attitude in a long time, same goes for the xenophobia. I don't recall any racism on his show either.

[–]Homsie 5 points6 points ago

all of his 'bad ideas' are actually good ideas in my books. its his overly pompous attitude and racy personality that some canadians don't necessarily like to associate themselves with.

[–]IkLms 1 point2 points ago

He actually might have a point with reducing the shoulder and elbow padding. The fact that the padding gets more and more means a guy will feel a hit there less and less. This usually makes people make harder hits because they won't feel it as much. The problem is that if this hit is to the head not only will it do more damage due to being a strong hit, it will also do more damage due to the shoulder or elbow pads being more armored.

Protective equipment is a double edged sword. The more you add, the more brazen guys will be with hits and you will end up injuring more guys that you are hitting because they aren't protected properly for the increased force depending on where you hit them.

[–]MrShowtime 13 points14 points ago

Screw the haters, have an upvote.

[–]DDB- 10 points11 points ago

In my dad's house nobody is allowed to talk while Cherry is talking.

[–]MrShowtime 3 points4 points ago

Your Dad is a great man. Send him our praise.

[–]mcreeves 4 points5 points ago

I love listening to Gord Miller. Hearing him call the World Juniors every year is a delight. Of course, his call in the 2009 Canada v Russia semi-final game is one of the best of all time, in my opinion.

Bob MacKenzie is probably the best analyst/source around. He's the man.

[–]chainman_36 2 points3 points ago

Pierre Lebrun, Elliotte Friedman and Eric Duhatschek are usually the ones I follow closely.

[–]Freedom19 2 points3 points ago

I'm actually a fan of Joe Beninati the announcer for the Caps games. I think he also does commentary for the games of the NBC sports network (formally Versus)

[–]backflip17 2 points3 points ago

Eklund...

[–]clarkgillies 2 points3 points ago

billy jaffe. was super bummed when the islanders forced him out.

[–]Spinner_Dunn 2 points3 points ago

Pierre LeBrun is definitely one of the best analysts - he keeps ESPN's NHL coverage somewhat credible.

[–]Epoh 0 points1 point ago

most analysts are bitches and won't speak their mind out of fear. end of story. bob mckenzie= fact machine.

[–]emit_ 2 points3 points ago

Does John Garrett count?

[–]pandabearben 2 points3 points ago

jim hughson an ray ferraro are supreme

[–]ChristopherT 1 point2 points ago

Pat Foley, Eddie O, Don Cherry, and Barry Melrose.

[–]Abbrv2Achv 0 points1 point ago

Two words- Jeremy. Roenick.

Guy's hilarious, and knows how to keep things interesting.

[–]phuser 2 points3 points ago

100% agree on Bob McKenzie. For commentators, Jim Hughson is my favourite of the national guys.

[–]dominator39 2 points3 points ago

Can't belive this isnt listed, but Rick Jeanneret is the best commentator ever. His excitement is unmatched. PROOF!

[–]Simmchen 2 points3 points ago

Pierre Houde! RDS represent!

[–]the_new_guy_ 1 point2 points ago

Anyone who doesn't broadcast for sportsnet pacific. (Canucks)

[–]redphive 2 points3 points ago

He only covers the Canucks, but I really like John Shorthouse's commentary. He is great and is a great follow on to Jim Robson who was the voice of the Canucks for so many years.

[–]veronicacrank 6 points7 points ago

Came here to say Bob Mackenzie but it seems I'm not the only one! I do like PJ Stock as well, he's kind of goofy and doesn't take himself too seriously. I like Dan Murphy too.

Can't stand Ron Mclean, Don Cherry, Mike Milbury. Arseheads.

[–]kjohns200 4 points5 points ago

Sharks play by play is excellent.

[–]Supernova232 0 points1 point ago

Bob Cole and Harry Neale are my favorite tandem of all time. Right now Cuthbert and Ferraro/Pang are the best I would say. Still a far cry from Cole and Neale though.

[–]infosnax 0 points1 point ago

I don't care what anyone says, Jack Edwards is a great announcer. Does he love the Bruins? Yes, clearly he does, but so do I. Also, I present a challenge to anyone who hates Jack "because he is a homer." Watch one of his broadcasts, and count how many times he sings the praises of skilled players from the opposing team (as he did about Skinner and Ruutu during the Carolina game, or Karlsson and Alfredsson vs. Ottawa). Count how many times his voice rises into a shriek during an exciting play done by the opposing team.

Yes, Jack Edwards loves the Boston Bruins, but he is also a HUGE hockey fan. He is knowledgable about the current state of the game, as well as its rich history. His color guy, Andy Brickley was an NHL player for years, and Jack routinely and appropriately defers to Brick on questions where perspective would be better coming from a player. This is another sign of a good announcer.

Hate on Jack all you want. He is a homer, yes, but that is not a reason to hate him. He knows and loves the game and personally, I think it would suck to listen to a game called by someone who DIDN'T share my love for the home team. Isn't this why most of us hate listening to away broadcasts?

TL;DR Jack Edwards really loves hockey, just like you. You should give him a chance.

[–]gimpbully 3 points4 points ago

After listening to the ROOT announcers today, I'm convinced Jack is completely neutral.

[–]gremwood 6 points7 points ago

It's hard to listen to him as a non-Bruin fan, but I agree. If you do stay through all the incessant homer bullshit that he spews (which, remember most-non-bruin-fans, your announcers are pretty homer too), he does provide lots of intelligent discussion with his colour guy. He does empathize with opponents being injured, and he does appreciate skill if Thomas gets completely undressed.

He'll even go "WHOAAAAAA <Bruin player> got smoked!" and not immediately claim every hit was dirty.

[–]NotMyBike 6 points7 points ago

I understand why Bruins fans love him, and I would probably love him too if he was supporting my team, but there are a lot of times where he just makes you scratch your head.

And there are also definitely times where he goes to far with the homerism, for example when he yells "GET UP! GET UP!" when he thinks an opposing player is diving. I'm not saying he can't enjoy the game or voice an opinion, but at that point he isn't calling the game.

[–]GrammarOutlaw -2 points-1 points ago

Jack Edwards is a homer and a clown,brings nothing to the table but one sided overzealous promotion of violence .Misguided commentary like comparing the playoff elimination of the Montreal Canadiens to the war of independence and the Tea Party.

I love Ron Mclean,now that's a broadcaster,sheer professionalism .

[–]Classy_15 1 point2 points ago

Commentators I love Jim Hughson, Craig Simpson and of course Bob Cole. As for analyst, there's Ray Ferraro - I know he commentates more often now but he's great when it comes to calling things they way they are.

[–]AlekswithaK 1 point2 points ago

Darren Dreger is the man.

[–]layout420 0 points1 point ago

You guys have probably never watched a panthers game but Steve Goldstein is top notch, calls it like he sees it. Good vocabulary of hockey knowledge too.

[–]bigred072 1 point2 points ago

John Ahlers and Brian Hayward

[–]Gatoroid 0 points1 point ago

I'm a big fan of Kevin Weekes on the NHL Network.

[–]jrmehle 0 points1 point ago

Wes Walz

I know he hasn't been at it long and his speaking can be awkward, but the man knows hockey.

[–]therealsylvos 1 point2 points ago

Al Trautwig, too bad the knicks get precedent though :(

[–]NancyGracesTesticles 0 points1 point ago

Tripp Tracy. If he says someone has manly hands, I'm pretty sure he knows what he's talking about.

[–]JimRoepcke 0 points1 point ago

Ferraro

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

John Davidson... Go Blushirts!

[–]browntown87 0 points1 point ago

Where's the Dean Brown love haha

[–]frozen_solid 0 points1 point ago

Dave Starman. I only see him during the WJHCs but am always impressed with his insight. His analysis is always spot on imho. Apparently his specialty is US college hockey. twitter

[–]coachjimmy 0 points1 point ago

Definitely Randy Moller.

[–]TheMadWoodcutter 1 point2 points ago

I like bob mckenzie.

On another note, I HATE HATE HATE Kevin Weekes.

[–]Panda_Bowl 1 point2 points ago

Not a TV announcer, but I love me some Chris Kerber!

[–]KickapooPonies 0 points1 point ago

[–]dotdoubledot -1 points0 points ago

Barry Melrose, of course.

<gdr>

[–]DillonJMcGuire 0 points1 point ago

I realize this gets pretty local, but James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail is a great writer and a much better alternative to a Simmons or Cox

Other leafs guys would include, for an alternative and informed view, The guys at Pension Plan Puppets. Julian Sanchez (@mlse on twitter) there is showing up in local papers more often and its great to hear them and some of the contributors like Chemmy (@felixpotvin, all pseudonyms of course)

[–]PhD_in_Broscience 0 points1 point ago

Total homer comment, but I like how Kevin Quinn calls the game. The rest of the Sportsnet broadcast is beyond awful though.

[–]LeftCoastDub 1 point2 points ago

Garry Valk.

[–]ispoiler 0 points1 point ago

Love love love John Forslund and Chuck Kaiton. I can take or leave Tripp Tracey. We're a little spoiled in Carolina.

Always had a love hate relationship with Emrick. Dude knows his stuff and all but at times hes a little over the top and can get ridiculous.

[–]taelor 0 points1 point ago

TLDR: I'm a total homer.

Pete and Terry for the Preds. Those dudes have been around forever and know their shit.

And we need it given the hockey intelligence in this state.

[–]Tizzmeister18 1 point2 points ago

Steve Coates! Coatesy's Corner haha