Subban reflects on broadcasting in hockey

Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban joined Sportsnet 590's Eric Prime and Sportsnet Magazine's Alanna Kelly Thursday afternoon.

On how the broadcasts of the game have changed since he entered the league:

"I think the detail in everything. The detail in the way the game is called, the detail in the statistics, the detail from the broadcasters and analyzers. You know, they're so detailed with everything.

"When I look at watching the game and commentators knowing how fast a slap shot is being recorded on the ice is pretty crazy. You know, five years ago I don't think we had that. So it's really cool to see a lot of these things. It's cool because you know the fans find it intriguing and it's bringing the fans closer to our game and closer to what's happening on the ice and that's the important thing. It's to make our game more enjoyable.

"There's a product on the ice, but I think with the right broadcasting, like I think we have here at Rogers with Sportsnet, I think... what's going to happen over the next 10, 11 years is going to be spectacular for fans. I think that our game is going to continue to grow, it's going to become more and more popular and fans are going to want to watch, more and more. So it's all good for our game.

On broadcasts of hockey games and if the production has an impact on the game and viewership:

"Yeah, I think so. I think it has to do with who's talking. I think the better job that commentators can do and analysts can do, the more people want to listen. You know, and there's a product on the ice, but the fact of the matter is you can watch on different channels but you want to listen to the best broadcasters, you want to listen to the best analysts.

"I look at someone like Bob Cole, who's been around for so long, who's going to be here now, I think that's fantastic. You know, he's a guy that I know I want to listen to and I want to hear what he has to say. I know fans that have played our game, who have watched our game, who have followed our game over the years respect someone like that and understand where our game is going when you bring someone like that on board."

Does the TV broadcast and the number of viewers come into your head at all during the skate at all?

"Yeah, during the Stanley Cup playoffs I know that a lot of people tune in and watch and follow and you know that the numbers get there, so it's something cool to know. I don't think that really changes anything when you play in the NHL. You're used to a lot of people watching you all the time and being critical and seeing the things you do out there negatively and positively, so we get pretty used to it."

Source: Sportsnet 590