Edmonton Oilers: An Open Letter to the NBC Network
By Sammi Silber
Dear NBC,
If you are reading this, I want you to truly hear me out. The coverage of the Edmonton Oilers has been unfair, and it needs to be fixed.
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If you’re an Oilers fan, you know how difficult the past years have been. Each year, even though we think the team has a new first-round pick and a true chance to bounce back, we end up finishing dead last, just like we did the previous seasons.
We’ve seen the jokes that people have made. We have survived through the insulting losses and jerseys being tossed on the ice, as well as years of trash talk. We have even survived years of ignorance from the NHL, especially on NBC, where barely any Oilers games are broadcasts. So I’m calling on the NBC Network, as well as NHL fans everywhere, to reconsider the Oilers and to treat the team with a bit more respect, since we have a great team (in the rebuilding process), a great fan following and a great history.
Let’s start off with the team. This offseason has been a productive one. Not only did we clean out the front office by demoting Kevin Lowe and moving others around, but we hired Peter Chiarelli, a promising new general manager for the struggling squad. We then hired Todd McLellan a gritty, dump-and-chase coach who has zero tolerance for failure.
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Not only did we clean up the front office and the coaching staff, but we drafted the NHL’s top prospect in many years, Connor McDavid. This pick was not just because he is talented; this pick is a symbol to show the entire National Hockey League that we, the Edmonton Oilers, are ready to bounce back this season and are ready to take their intensity and seriousness to a whole new level.
It was a message heard by all 30 NHL teams, as well as their fans: things are a’changing in Edmonton, so get ready for the Oilers.
So doesn’t he deserve a little more air time, or a chance to showcase his talent? Every NHL fan, whether they like the Oilers or not, is excited to see what McDavid brings to the league. Apparently NBC just doesn’t understand.
NBC Network obviously didn’t get the memo that we’re ready for action, because the Edmonton squad will only be featured on the network once this whole 82 game season. This organization is ready to rebuild, and therefore, you need to show the world this team’s efforts. I believe, as a fan, that it is not right that Edmonton is featured in one NBC broadcast game.
Is it because the Oilers have not impressed in the past years, so they don’t deserve to be a center-spotlight game? Is it because they believe Americans won’t care for the Canadian teams? That claim is obviously incorrect, because the Montreal Canadiens are featured plenty of times; heck, they’re even playing in the Winter Classic!
It is because the team is not a top-performer, I believe. And just because we are not top-performers does not mean we deserve to be ignored and showed in only one game, while “better” or “more favorable” teams such as the Boston Bruins or the Chicago Blackhawks are broadcast multiple times throughout the season.
This needs to stop. The Edmonton Oilers are coming, and you better brace yourself.
Not only is the team improving, but the fans are as good as they always are. Through thick and thin this Oilers team has had thousands of fans behind them, surviving the heartbreak and continuing to support their team.
This dedication to the Oilers team has to have some kind of reward. Please, NBC, consider us seriously and actually see us as a true opponent, especially as the team keeps rebuilding.
Our history also makes us worthy of some kind of respect. Where would the NHL be without the play of Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey or even Grant Fuhr? The NHL probably wouldn’t have expanded to such a large range, and the game would never be the same.
NBC Network wouldn’t have such a huge NHL following if Gretzky never played for Edmonton. It wouldn’t have such a huge following if Oilers players from the past didn’t play for the team.
In conclusion, the ignorance towards this Oilers squad needs to end. We have some of the best players and fans in the game, and we are currently rebuilding to become better. The Edmonton Oilers hold significance, not just in their history, but in their fandom and in their rebuilding process, as well as their current play.
Thank you,
Sammi Silber