When the schedule was released, NBC’s slate seemed pretty set on games they would air and which would be left for NBC Sports Network. The only weeks which were exclusively expected to be flexed were the final two of the season, when they explicitly stated there were flex games.
NBC flex scheduling will begin Feb. 10
Originally thought to be limited to the last two weeks of the season, NBC will bring it’s flex scheduling on as soon as three weeks from now.
Andy Marlin
However, NBC’s media site posted their listings through Feb. 17 today, and on it showed that the Feb. 10 NBC game -- originally thought to be settled on Kings/Red Wings -- can now potentially be flexed out for Devils/Penguins. The game NBC does not choose will air that night on NBC Sports Network.
In past years, one might have laughed at the notion of NBC getting rid of a Red Wings game, but you have to think that they’re worried about the Red Wings not being a draw if they turn out to be mediocre this season. That, plus the possibility of throwing in Crosby/Malkin and the Pens against a team that’s no less a drag on the ratings than Los Angeles playing at 9:30 a.m. PT would be, and you’ve got a totally feasible flex scenario.
After taking a look at the league schedule, there are five more games that could possibly be flexed between now and the end of the season, just based on pure logic that the games could be moved from 7:30 p.m. ET to 12:30 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the rest of the Sunday slate for 2013.
2013 NBC Flex Schedule
Feb. 3 - No Flex Game, Pittsburgh-Washington set
Feb. 10 - Los Angeles vs. Detroit OR New Jersey vs. Pittsburgh
Feb. 17 - No Flex Game, Buffalo-Pittsburgh/Los Angeles-Chicago doubleheader
Mar. 3 - No Flex Game, Chicago vs. Detroit set*
Mar. 10 - NY Rangers vs. Washington OR Buffalo vs. Philadelphia
Mar. 17 - Boston vs. Pittsburgh OR Buffalo vs. Washington
Mar. 31 - No Flex Game, Chicago vs. Detroit set**
Apr. 7 - No Flex Game, St. Louis vs. Detroit set***
Apr. 14 - Chicago vs. St. Louis OR Detroit vs. Nashville
Apr. 21 - New Jersey vs. NY Rangers OR St. Louis vs. Colorado
Apr. 27 - New Jersey vs. NY Rangers OR San Jose vs. Los Angeles
*NBC’s game is set that day because the NBCSN game (BOS/MTL) is inflexible since the Canadiens play the night before.
**Similar situation to March 3, as the NBCSN game (WSH/BUF) features a team (Capitals) who play the evening before.
***Once again, the NBCSN game (NJ/BUF) features a team (NJ) who play the night before.
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