Preakness "Pre-Game" Over NHL Overtime

On Saturday, NBC decided to cut off an exciting NHL conference final game in overtime between Ottawa and Buffalo, which ended up being the deciding game in the series to go the Stanley Cup Finals, to go to coverage of the "pre-game" of the second leg of the horse racing Triple Crown, "The Preakness." The "pre-game!!!!!" Nothing against horse racing (I do think it is exciting) and I know the ratings of the horse race are obviously, but sadly, going to be higher than the NHL game(5.5 million for Preakness and 1.1 million for NHL of NBC). However, they cut the NHL game off for us to see the excitement of jockeys siting on couches, horses eating out of troughs, and amazing interviews with elite and elderly horse owners; what could be better?

Now, I realize hockey isn't the most popular sport, especially here in the U.S., but are the networks (notably ESPN and NBC) literally trying to kill it and stab it in the back. I will admit that I am not the biggest hockey fan by any means, but I just don't understand what is going on with these major sports networks. ESPN would rather play NCAA women's softball, bowling, poker, darts, and a ridiculous minor league baseball game (just because Roger Clemans was going to pitch circa 60 pitches) than broadcasting one of the top four U.S. sport's playoff games. Way to go NBC, I would've much rather watched a four foot man's dietary reigement than one of the most exciting things in sports, overtime playoff hockey. Thanks again.