The 2025 NHL playoffs have been marked by numerous complaints regarding U.S. TV production. On Saturday, the criticism targeted TNT for opting to use a remote announcing booth during the initial game of the St. Louis Blues-Winnipeg Jets series. The following day, ESPN’s broadcast of the Toronto Maple Leafs-Ottawa Senators game faced backlash not for remote announcers (as John Buccigross and Kevin Weekes were in attendance), but for their poor audio mix. Here’s some feedback from viewers:
Viewers of Senators-Maple Leafs Game 1 have not enjoyed the audio experience on ESPN2. 🏒📺🎙️ #NHL pic.twitter.com/7v9LMwYC1V
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 21, 2025
It sounds like the commentators of this Sens-Leafs game are on the phone with me while they have the game playing in the background. AUDIO IS ASS.
— Utahtism 🦣 (@Utahtism) April 21, 2025
@espn audio engineers need to figure it out!! 🤬 Most of their NHL broadcasts, including this Leafs vs. Sens game, have atrocious sound mixing. Not enough crowd atmosphere or on-ice sound + announcers’ volumes fluctuating. #LeafsForever #LeafsNation #ESPN #NHLPlayoffs #NHL
— Bleeding Hedge🩸 (@bleeding_hedge) April 20, 2025
@ESPNPR can barely hear the arena on ESPN2. Commentator audio level way too high. I know it’s the Leafs’ senile barn, but damn help us out.
— Simone (@V12Simone) April 20, 2025
The audio on the Leafs – Sens broadcast is just as bad as yesterday’s Jets – Blues. The crowd sounds way too low @Buccigross
— asvpbabycakes🥷 (@wholelottakaleb) April 21, 2025
