Russian sports media platform Match TV has acquired rights to the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, the concluding part of the season for North American ice hockey league the NHL.
The 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs started yesterday (Wednesday) with the Tampa Bay Lightning securing an opening 3-2 win over Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins commencing with a 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues taking a series lead over the Chicago Blackhawks thanks to a 1-0 win in their first encounter.
Match TV said it will prioritise broadcasting games which feature Russian players. The Sports.ru website said this is the first time the platform has offered NHL action, adding the league last received free-to-air exposure in Russia in 2011-12, when it was broadcast by the Russia 2 channel.