The National Hockey League (NHL) today opened the doors to thePORTAL at NHL.com to deliver fans a unique Stanley Cup Playoffs experience. thePORTAL at NHL.com leverages the exclusive access and unique digital media capabilities of the NHL to transport fans inside the action and behind the scenes with all 16 teams chasing the Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately the Buffalo Sabres did NOT make it to the playoffs this year and their season is now over. Even though they hung in there at the end and beat the Hurricanes 5-1, a Rangers' win kicked them out of contention. We can't blame it on the Rangers though.
thePORTAL at NHL.com is highlighted by special features such as live coverage from the NHL Video Review Room in Toronto. Each time a goal is reviewed during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, thePORTAL at NHL.com will be the only place for fans to learn in real-time how NHL rules are being interpreted and applied, leading to goals being allowed or disallowed.
thePORTAL at NHL.com also will be the only place where fans can see video interviews with NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell and NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy, who will discuss every call made the night before in the NHL Video Review Room.
“The Stanley Cup Playoffs are when NHL teams elevate their play in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. We’re elevating our game, too,” said Andre Mika, NHL Senior Vice President of Broadband and New Media, and Executive in Charge of Programming. “We're breaking new ground in how we super-serve fans during our key events, an important element of our digital strategy to bring fans places other media cannot.”
The NHL is also planning to hold its first Tweetup, a meetup of
people that Twitter, on Wednesday, April 15, between 7-10 p.m. EST to
celebrate the launch of thePortal at NHL.com, as well as the start of
the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This strategy sends a message to fans that the NHL is the Digital League. Michael DiLorenzo, NHL director of corporate communications, said there isn't a more appropriate launch venue for the portal than a social media gathering.
Fans can find the flagship Tweetup party at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store on 6th Ave in New York City. McDonald's will sponsor free food in the city. Satellite "Tweetups" will occur in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Vancouver, and Washington.
NHL fans also have the opportunity to post comments and interact with celebrity blogger on NHL.com and on Twiiter at Twitter.com/NHLCelebBlogs which just started up today.
Anyhow, the first puck will be dropped Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET when the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals open at Verizon Center on TSN, while the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins do the same at Mellon Arena on VERSUS, CBC and RDS.
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