Total Pro Sports - Once again, NBC has asserted their dominance over the NHL.  During this year's playoffs, they first forced the NHL to play back-to-back games in the finals so that their TV schedule would not be interrupted during Conan O'Brien's opening week.  Then they ordered the league to shut down the large viewing parties outside the arenas because they felt it was hurting their ratings.

This time NBC has rejected the possibility of the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin playing in next season's Winter Classic at Fenway Park.  Instead, they have opted for the Philadelphia Flyers to take on the Boston Bruins because they believed it would draw better ratings.

So why did they decide to pass on having on of the most electrifying players in the league play in the popular New Years Day outdoor game in favor of the Flyers?  Looking at last seasons ratings of the two teams when playing the Bruins, they felt that a game involving Philly would draw a better audience.

It's always about the ratings, but is passing on an exciting team like the Caps, with players like Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Mike Green ever a good idea if it is ratings you are looking for?  NBC seems to think so.  However, I would beg to differ.