Some NHL playoff games are being called from off-site broadcast studios, primarily by Turner Sports (TNT/TBS), due to cost-cutting measures and logistical challenges.
Fully covering a game on-site, especially in smaller Canadian cities, involves significant expenses, including mobile production trucks, technicians, and travel costs for on-air talent.
TNT has opted for remote broadcasts for select first-round games, such as Game 1 of the Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues in 2025, and Games 3 and 4 of the Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers, and Game 4 of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators, with announcers like John Forslund and Jennifer Botterill calling games from Atlanta.
This decision is also influenced by TNT’s heavy spring schedule, which includes NHL, NBA, and MLB broadcasts, straining resources.
Remote broadcasts have drawn criticism from fans for poor crowd audio, odd camera angles, and reduced energy, with some calling it “bush league” for playoff hockey. ESPN, in contrast, sends crews on-site for all games, even ESPN+ exclusives.
TNT plans to have on-site crews for all games beyond the first round and for any deciding games in the opening round, unless teams like the Oilers or Senators are swept. This practice, while rare, has precedent, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when world feeds were used, and in prior Turner broadcasts last postseason.
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