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At this point in the evolution of TV technology, you expect all the big sports events to be shot in HDTV -- particularly by a major broadcast network.
Not so tonight for the CBC's opening telecast of the NHL playoffs.
The Ottawa Senators-Pittsburgh Penguins game is available only in standard definition.
Given it is the CBC's first game of the post-season and considering the hype the series has received in Canada, it was a mistake.
Yes, the HDTV market is still relatively small, but it seemed, to use one of Hockey Night In Canada host Ron MacLean's terms, chintzy, to start the playoffs without the spectacularly clear picture of HDTV.
The CBC will alternate a HDTV broadcast truck between Ottawa and Montreal, meaning the Senators' and Canadiens' home games will be in HDTV.
TSN is shooting all of its playoff telecasts in HDTV.
The CBC, which is not, is employing two HDTV trucks for its three Canadian series, plus renting two more.
Notes:
- The CBC's second game of the doubleheader, Calgary Flames-San Jose Sharks, was shot in HDTV.
- Don Cherry's answer to the Senators' difficulty scoring in the first two periods — foul Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. "You gotta run Fleury," he said several times during the second intermission.
- A good line from MacLean about the underdog Senators starting the series at the Mellon Arena, nicknamed the Igloo: "If you have a snow ball's chance in hell, you might as well start at the Igloo."
- Don Cherry uses plenty of footage on Coach's Corner, but never film from old movies — until last night when he aired a clip from the 1931 flick Little Caesar to confirm that, yes, Nashville Predator coach Barry Trotz looks a lot like Edward G. Robinson.
