NHLN to offer free preview in U.S. starting March 2

NEW YORK – The NHL Network will offer a free preview to more than 34 million subscribers of multiple distributors in the United States, such as DIRECTV, DISH Network®, AT&T U-verse, Verizon, Cox Communications, Grande Communications and TVMAX, beginning Monday, March 2 through Saturday, March 7.

As the definitive hockey destination, NHL Network offers viewers a 24-hour all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games, robust game highlights packages and expert analysis. As a portion of this six-day free-preview period, viewers will be able to watch 52 hours of HD hockey programming including five live games, special Trade Deadline day coverage and 10 premieres of exclusive original NHL Network™ programming.

Games broadcast during the free preview include four live NHL games (blackout restrictions apply) and one live American Hockey League game. The Montreal Canadiens and the host Buffalo Sabres -- two longtime rivals looking to secure a playoff berth -- go head-to-head on Wednesday, March 4. Then on Thursday, March 5, the Canadiens play the host Atlanta Thrashers. On Saturday, March 7, viewers will enjoy AHL action with the Rochester Americans playing the Lake Erie Monsters, followed by a simulcast of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader of the Edmonton Oilers visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the San Jose Sharks traveling to Vancouver to play the Canucks.

On Wednesday, March 4 the NHL Network will provide extensive coverage of the NHL Trade Deadline that will keep viewers up-to-date on the latest trades and their favorite clubs through an special three-hour of edition of NHL Live with Don LaGreca and Bill Clement, and a special three-hour NHL On the Fly Trade Deadline Special.

Also premiering during the free preview are brand new episodes of original NHL Network series including The Hodge Stove League talk show where the guest will be Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson; a Day In The Life episode featuring Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris; a Voices profile of St. Louis' announcer Chris Kerber; a Pioneers spotlight on Hockey Hall of Famer Red Kelly; and an all-access special filmed in Montreal at the 2009 NHL All-Star Weekend. Additional programming includes spotlights on NHL legends Ted Lindsay, Al MacInnis and Maurice Richard, and eight programs devoted to 2010 Winter Olympic Games hopefuls Zdeno Chara, Chris Drury, Patrik Elias, Mike Green, Chris Pronger, Mike Richards and Shea Weber.

NHL Network Free Preview Spotlight Programming
(All Times Eastern)

Monday-Friday
12 p.m.            NHL Live simulcast

Monday, March 2
9 a.m.              Bienvenue a Montreal! All Access at the 2009 NHL All-Star Weekend
10 a.m.            NHL On The Fly

Tuesday, March 3
7 p.m.              The Hodge Stove League: Ron Wilson
8 p.m.              A Day That Changed The Game: November 1, 1959
9 p.m.              NHL On The Fly

Wednesday, March 4 -- NHL Trade Deadline
12 p.m.            Special 3-hour edition of NHL Live
3 p.m.              NHL On The Fly Trade Deadline Special
7:30 p.m.         Canadiens at Sabres
10 p.m.            NHL On The Fly

Thursday, March 5
7 p.m.              Day In The Life: Derek Morris
7:30 p.m.         Voices: St. Louis' Chris Kerber
8 p.m.              Captains Powered by Bridgestone (player TBA)
8:30 p.m.         Pioneers: Red Kelly
9 p.m.              NHL On The Fly

Friday, March 6
7 p.m.              Don Cherry's Grapevine -- Al MacInnis
7:30 p.m.         Canadiens at Thrashers
10 p.m.            NHL On The Fly

Saturday, March 7
1 p.m. `           AHL Hockey: Rochester Americans at Lake Erie Monsters
6:30 p.m.         HNIC Pregame
7 p.m.              Hockey Night In Canada: Oilers at Maple Leafs
10 p.m.            Hockey Night in Canada: Sharks at Canucks
12:30 a.m.       HNIC After Hours
1:30 a.m.         NHL On The Fly