The Wall Street Journal published an article today called The Return of a Great Game which celebrates the coming of age of stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin. One of the key indicators of hockey’s renewed popularity is the elevation of hockey in the mix of highlights and analysis that is ESPN’s SportsCenter.
ESPN signed Don Cherry to provide post-game analysis for the conference championships and the Stanley Cup Finals. Cherry participated in the NBC’s coverage of the NHL during the playoffs last year, but getting involved with ESPN this season is more significant for everyone involved.