from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

For example, Sportsnet is considering three options.

The first is a telecast sent to every market with generic graphics provided at the rink and announcers on-site. These might not be my regular Sportsnet teammates. Instead, they might be NBC announcers or, if the games are in Carolina, John Forslund and Tripp Tracy.

The second option is what’s called “taking a split.” Each market still takes the world feed, but — if allowed on-site — can supplement it with their own truck. That would allow for on-site talent, graphics and possibly an extra camera or two they could control.

And the third option is a “clean” feed sent to everyone — national and local. No graphics, no commentators. Each team’s crew could add their own “look” at their production facilities, with the action called off a monitor. My guess is that’s the most likely scenario.

“We’re all looking at what model makes sense for everybody,” Corte says.

Okay, but once that’s decided, how will the broadcasts look, sound and feel?

“We are discussing everything. From virtual crowds to how we will shoot the game differently. Traditionally, when something happens in the game, producers are looking for reactions. In the crowd, on the benches, on the ice. Now we won’t have the fan element. Gives us the opportunity to look at new camera positions. Can we increase the complement of robotic cameras? This allows us more cameras with less operators. Can we mount more of them?”

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