Amidst the chaos of a frozen city hit by a nor’easter, the Carolina Hurricanes offered fans a chance to unwind […]
Amidst the chaos of a frozen city hit by a nor’easter, the Carolina Hurricanes offered fans a chance to unwind and have fun from the comfort of their own homes…but it didn’t come so easily.
Behind the scenes, a broadcast team fought the clock and conditions to bring the audience what they love against all odds. In doing so, they put together a unique experience unlike what we’ve ever seen before.
Sunday, fans were treated to a rare merged broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network featuring both the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings’ on-air talents. During the game, the Hurricanes’ feed was used by the Kings, whom the production team accommodated with additional focus on them. Perspectives for the Hurricanes and Kings were shared, while intermissions hosted player interviews with both teams, as well as one-on-one analysis between mismatched talents to ensure proper coverage of each hockey club.
John Kelly and Tony Granato were both in the booth with Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy ahead of tonight's game
— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) February 1, 2026
Both broadcasts are featuring a little extra of the opposite teams as they share the same feed#CarolinaCulture#GoKingsGo#NHLpic.twitter.com/dEmbOCQ0yo
However, as viewers delighted in the fresh takes, things were treacherous leading up to puck drop.
Behind the Curtain
The broadcasting crews were dealt a tough hand, as one of the two production trucks was unable to make it from its previous show due to the weather. Down a valuable resource and a significant amount of time to prepare ahead of the game, the production team cancelled the pregame and postgame shows just an hour before coverage was scheduled to begin.
Their battle with the clock continued as they fought to the very last minute to get the show on the air on time, which they succeeded in doing.
We take for granted that the games are on TV. But there are people who work hard to make sure that happens.
— Mike Sundheim (@MikeSundheim) February 2, 2026
Jim Mallia (Producer) and Chuck Whitlock (Director) went above and beyond to make sure today’s win was available for fans on @FDSN_Hurricanes.
👏 pic.twitter.com/J1fSlOhagl
It is often overlooked how much goes into sports broadcasts, from those within the production trucks to camera operators, audio engineers, and beyond. However, if one thing is certain, it is that fans of at least two hockey teams will have an even greater respect for the crews the next time they tune into a game.
It may not have impacted the standings, but for Hurricanes fans, the hard work and improvisation from the production team Sunday was just as important a win.
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