Oilers fans are buzzing with frustration as tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime. The shift to streaming-only broadcasts means that fans who already pay for NHL Centre Ice or a Sportsnet TV package will need to subscribe to yet another service just to catch the game. For fans who feel they’re already stretching their budget to support their team, this additional cost doesn’t sit well.
Jack Hughes and Leon Draisaitl will headline Prime Monday Night Hockey when the @NJDevils visit the @EdmontonOilers for the only time this season. Catch the action tonight on Prime Video Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA). 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/V3RfXWmtYl
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 4, 2024
This decision highlights a growing trend of streaming services gaining exclusivity over select NHL games, disrupting the traditional model where fans could count on their existing cable or streaming packages to see every game. In Canada, hockey is more than a sport; it’s a shared cultural experience, and Oilers fans are accustomed to the consistency and convenience that major broadcasters like Sportsnet have provided for years. This move feels like yet another hurdle that adds expense and inconvenience, especially for those already committed to premium sports packages.
One of the main issues for fans lies in the lack of clear communication surrounding these exclusive broadcasts. Many fans only found out about the Amazon Prime exclusivity a day or two before the game, leaving them scrambling to figure out if they already had access or if they’d need to sign up. For those on tighter budgets, this unexpected change brings a financial burden that wasn’t planned for when they committed to services like NHL Centre Ice or a Sportsnet subscription at the start of the season. The need to add another monthly fee, even if only for a single game, feels like an unfair shake, especially when some fans are already facing increased living costs.
Fans have also expressed disappointment in the lack of acknowledgment from the NHL and broadcasting networks about the frustration this change is causing. For older fans and those less familiar with streaming platforms, the added step of setting up an Amazon Prime account or navigating a new app can be a challenge. Many in this group are particularly disappointed to lose the reliability of Sportsnet, where they've been accustomed to watching their team with ease.
The shift toward streaming-exclusive games isn’t unique to the NHL; similar trends have been seen in the NFL and other major sports leagues. However, for Oilers fans, this new reality feels disruptive to the traditions of hockey broadcasting they’ve relied on for so long. To make matters worse, tonight’s game isn’t the only one they’ll need Amazon Prime to watch. Upcoming games on Nov. 18 against the Montreal Canadiens, Dec. 16 against the Florida Panthers, and April 14 against the Los Angeles Kings will also be Prime-exclusive.
As hockey continues to explore partnerships with streaming services, it’s crucial for leagues and broadcasters to consider the financial and logistical impacts on fans. With tonight's game behind a new paywall, the voices of disappointed Oilers fans are growing louder. Whether this backlash will influence future broadcasting decisions remains to be seen, but it’s clear that tonight's Amazon Prime exclusivity has left many fans feeling frustrated and disconnected from the team they support so passionately.