Tuesday in the KHL

The first words of the day came to me via my phone, telling me that ESPN was picking up the rights to broadcast the Kontinental Hockey League in the United States, with broadcast being a rather broad word to describe the placement of KHL games on ESPN3, the streaming or, for those of you who choose to use the now archaic term, online service.

The service is tough to get for many fans, which puts a smile on my face in the way ESPN tries to tell everyone they are picking up hockey when in fact they are giving it the same back of the hand they always have.

Any thoughts of this being a big extended middle finger by ESPN to the NHL for wisely leaving the pay-me-no-mind list of worldwide leader of college football, college basketball and NFL gab shows needs to think again.

If ESPN were truly interested in giving the big bird to the NHL, the worldwide leader would put the KHL games on the original channel, live during the day and then again at night during the NFL gabfests and NBA shillfest.

But no. ESPN is keeping it as a streaming option. For those of you who thought OLN/Versus/NBC Sports Network is a tough truffle to snuffle up, ESPN 3 (via WatchESPN) will only make you long for a better internet connection, a better TV or a better provider.

Still, it is hockey and if you can get it and have time off during the days, this will help you pass time during the NHL lockout. Thanks for throwing us a crumb, ESPN.

And now, for the day's KHL action.



KONTINENTAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
At Severstal 4, Atlant 0 (video top)
At Vityaz 4, Torpedo 2 (video above)
Lokomotiv 2, at Dinamo Minsk 1 (video below)
Summaries are here.
Standings are here.
Recaps are here.