Gene Principe not part of the Edmonton Oilers playoff game broadcast crew
Edmonton Oilers broadcasts on Sportsnet will look a little different when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.
When the Oilers series against the Anaheim Ducks gets underway on Monday, a familiar face won’t be in his usual spot on the broadcasts.
On Friday, Sportsnet revealed its broadcast lineup for the NHL playoffs. One of the biggest changes was that Gene Principe wasn’t listed as the rinkside reporter.
It’s a bit of an unusual change considering that he’s been in that spot for most of the last 25 years. Not only did he cover Round One for the Oilers for most of their 21st-century playoff appearances, but last season, he even covered the Stanley Cup Finals. That was a change from 2024, when Kyle Bukauskas was the rinkside reporter for the first iteration of Oilers vs. the Florida Panthers.
But there is a rationale for Principe getting bumped out of his usual role.
Scott Oake will be the rinkside reporter for the Oilers Round One series against the Ducks. He announced earlier this month that he will be retiring after 37 years as a Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster.
Daily Hive’s Preston Hodgkinson confirmed that Principe will still be involved in the Sportsnet broadcasts, just not in his usual capacity. His work will include pre-game and post-game interviews, and live hits, among other duties.
There was a wide range of reactions from Oilers fans online.
“Tonight we riot,” one fan said on X. “Gene is a national treasure.”
“WTF, Sportsnet, we want our main 3!” said another. “Haven’t you learnt this over the years?”
Other fans were more passionate and even understanding with their reaction.
“Retirement last ride is fine,” one fan wrote. “A very likeable media personality.”
“We all love Gene, but Scott is retiring, and I’ll be honoured to be a part of his last playoff run,” said another. “If it’s anyone but Gene, I’m happy it’s Scott.”