The Daily: Igor Larionov’s Son Offers Hot Take on NHL’s Blackout Policy

Former Detroit Red Wing Igor Larionov’s son, Igor II, said on social media this week what many NHL fans are feeling.

“Blackout restrictions are the stupidest things in the sports world,” the young Larionov said. “The fact I can’t stream local teams is embarrassing.”

“Plus,” Igor II said. “I don’t know a single person under 40 that has cable. Everyone is streaming and the league is so far behind on this.”

Igor II is not alone in his complaint

With the start of its new TV contract, the NHL’s blackout rules are a bit more restrictive. Many fans have sat down to watch a game only to discover it is blacked out. Others have also used social media to complain.

Igor II played for the China-based Kunlon RedStar in Kontinental Hockey League in 2020-21. Reports said he had a PTO signed with an NHL team this season, but couldn’t report because he tested positive for mononucleosis. He has documented his slow recovery on Twitter. He is active on Twitter with almost 19,000 followers.

black out restrictions are the stupidest things in the sports world. the fact i can’t stream local teams is embarrassing. plus idk a single person under 40 that has cable. everyone is streaming and the league is so far behind on this

— Igor Larionov II (@Igor_LarionovII) November 20, 2021

Another day of no FL NHL games on FL non-cable TV because of @nhl non-sensical #Blackout policies. Another day of failing to gain hockey fans in FL. FL college football games on. FL NFL games prioritized local programming. NHL still an oddity here.

— GrayYak (@gray_yak) November 21, 2021

NHL Trade Rumor

Jason Zucker and Marcus Pettersson were considered Pittsburgh trade candidates. But Pittsburgh Hockey Now is reporting they have go from trade candidate to essential personnel.

Around the NHL

Detroit: The Red Wings are an improved team. The pluses: Captain Dylan Larkin and the rookies. The minuses: would someone on the this team play defense?!

Quebec: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will meet with the Quebec Premier about giving Quebec City another franchise. The Hockey world is ready for the rumor to be a reality. 

Washington: Goalie Vitek Vanecek was a Seattle Kraken for seven days before Seattle traded him back to Washington. So when the Capitals paid a visit to the expansion franchise, Seattle paid tribute to Vanecek.

New York: Frustration is building with the Islanders. One night after the Pittsburgh Penguins blanked the Maple Leafs–the Maple Leafs shutout the Islanders.

Vancouver: Chicago’s Marc-Andre Fleury won the goalie duel 1-0 over the Vancouver Canucks. 

Montreal: Ben Chiarot is a pending UFA. How long before the defenseman is moved?

Vegas: When Jack Eichel returns is Mattias Janmark a key player or trade bait?

Colorado: Center Nathan MacKinnon is practicing again. His return to the lineup can’t come quick enough.

Calgary: The Calgary Flames are the kings of shutdown hockey. No matter who is in the lineup, the Flames keep powering through their schedule. Former Bruins farmhand  Dan Vladar shut out Boston 4-0