NBC on lockout's end: "Let's drop the puck"

One of the entities most hurting during the lockout was the NBC Sports Network, which saw its programming limited to low-rated studio programming and extra MLS games to go along with regularly-scheduled college sports. Now, the network is getting it's crown jewel -- the National Hockey League -- back, and two of it's principal figures spoke out on the end of the work stoppage today.

Mike "Doc" Emrick, Emmy-winning play-by-play man for The NHL on NBC, had more of a brief preview of what to expect from the players:

"Only one chance to make a good first impression. I have no doubt the players will do just that. They will have to. The effect of even a two-game losing streak will be four."

Sam Flood, the executive producer of NBC Sports and the NBC Sports Network, who has ushered in much of the NHL coverage on the two networks, had this to say:

"Doc, Edzo, Pierre and our entire production team are counting the seconds until the season begins so we can get back to doing what we love: telling the story of the annual quest to win the Stanley Cup, the greatest trophy in sports. Let's drop the puck."

NBC and the NBC Sports Network are the broadcast and cable home of the National Hockey League.