For those who tuned into Thursday night’s 4-Nations Face-Off matchup between the United States and Finland, one part of ESPN’s broadcast was unavoidable. In addition to the scorebug in its standard top-left corner location, there was a running graphic on the bottom of the screen, telling viewers which 10 players were on the ice.
Those watching the 4 Nations Face-Off, what are your thoughts on the graphic displaying who is on the ice for each team? pic.twitter.com/40dxK6O8FY
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 14, 2025
As we were reminded in Super Bowl LIX, on-screen graphics are a touchy subject for viewers, particularly during the game. Some appreciated the new feature, recognizing its utility.
I like it https://t.co/iCNNl6zvc4
— Elliott Price (@ElliottFPrice) February 14, 2025
For this, I actually like it. Not like anyone is used to these teams and it’s nice to know how the countries have put their lines together…also a reminder of who is on each roster
— Robert Snyder (@RobbieBuckets) February 14, 2025
I love it. https://t.co/gMwKJhMln7
— Music City Bets (@MusicCityBets) February 14, 2025
I actually don’t mind it. It’s helpful to know who’s on the ice since we’re not used to these lines. And if you don’t care for it, just don’t look at the bottom of the screen. And that’s coming from someone who ABHORS the live scoreboard CBS has been using for The Masters. https://t.co/9Ehpe2XtOc
— Nick Bove (@NickBoveOnAir) February 14, 2025
Honestly, I really enjoy it. Especially because we have no idea who made these rosters.
— Anthony Sperando (@APSperando) February 14, 2025
In multiple respects, it’s a good idea, particularly since events like this aim to attract casual fans. For those new to hockey, following the game can be challenging as substitutions occur live and shifts are usually brief. Even longtime fans may struggle as they’re not accustomed to the teams and some players wear different numbers. This graphic can serve as a useful guide. However, the reaction to it was decidedly mixed, with many viewers voicing concerns about its size.
So annoying and unnecessary
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) February 14, 2025
It’s horrific and a crime against hockey. They gotta get rid of it right away. You can’t see guys on the near boards on the rush. https://t.co/AoAHtSKnMI
— Ben Mathewson (@Ben_Mathewson) February 14, 2025
Maybe the worst graphic in the history of sports broadcasting. Get it off. https://t.co/h3xEuhXCY0
— Steve Bennett (@Sports_Casters) February 14, 2025
ESPN needs to drop this horrible bottom line. It’s blocking a significant portion of the ice. pic.twitter.com/KLyddYjnfw
— Ben Mathewson (@Ben_Mathewson) February 14, 2025
ESPN really thought they cooked here with this gargantuan graphic tracking what players are on the ice pic.twitter.com/slw1JB23CH
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) February 14, 2025
ESPN should make this ticker at least three times bigger https://t.co/LEmANyzE4Y
— Mike Cole (@MikeColeNESN) February 14, 2025
Notably, when the second period began, the graphic was absent, and it remained that way throughout.
UPDATE: The graphic has yet to be displayed in the second period. https://t.co/s8yXj30Yqr pic.twitter.com/v7NuI4hpkF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 14, 2025
Even if this feature proves helpful for some viewers, the obstruction it caused to the view of the ice is undeniable. While the idea itself is promising, the execution requires refinement.
