Jack Edwards - Still Awesome? Or Not So Much?

The Long Tater

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2001
2,746
There has been some criticism of Jack in the past couple of game threads. Complaints seem to be that he has gotten names wrong, missed key events (Marchand's head injury), and been over the top with outrage about stuff that didn't warrant it (the Whalers retired numbers). Has he really declined or is just the same old Jack? He does love the game. He does love the Bruins, and he is generally well prepared. IMO we should appreciate what we have and enjoy. We could do a lot worse. Curious what others think.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,462
Gallows Hill
He seems very unprepared this year. He’s always had a hokey quality that grated on certain people that I never minded, but he’s miss calling key game elements this year.
 

McDrew

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
SoSH Member
Apr 11, 2006
4,060
Portland, OR
He seems very unprepared this year. He’s always had a hokey quality that grated on certain people that I never minded, but he’s miss calling key game elements this year.
This is just a throw-shit-at-the-wall guess, but he was tripped up from game 1 on Marchand's name switch back and he seems like he's never been able to recover and get back his momentum. I agree that this is the first year I've noticed him getting things wrong. He's been anachronistic and over the top at times, but this year has just been more noticeable for him missing things.
 

The Long Tater

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2001
2,746
Historically, preparation has been said to be one of Jack’s strengths. Sad if people think it has declined.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,096
Edwards was a really good announcer in his prime, and brought a fair amount of hockey knowledge to the broadcast. He nearly always got the name of the opposing player correct. Most complaints came from folks that never heard hockey telecasts in other markets. Or never listened to Joe Morgan on Sunday night baseball.

I haven’t watched enough this season to notice a decline, but it will be a shame if true.
 

wilked

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
4,044
Right around this time Calgary tied it, then the Bs scored right after. Jack goes off on this big thing about how the Flames have only led for X number of minutes, before Andy calmly tells them the Flames were not in the lead, but had tied it.

Not a big deal, but stood out to me because it was so detailed a thing, fully prepared, and blatantly wrong
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,096
While normally a fan of Edwards, I often wondered if his schtick had a lifespan.

This case is one where he should have just apologized, saying he made an uninformed comment without realizing the severity of Polak's injury. Don't believe he helps himself by doubling down in this case.
 

durandal1707

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 18, 2007
6,131
The only thing worse than the officiating tonight was Jack's histrionics.

I have to admit that Jack did bring something worthwhile to the table for a while: a genuine energy and excitement to calling the game that wouldn't waver even if the B's opponents scored. He also did a diligent job getting the players' names right.

For one, he's slipped in recent years and frequently gets players and game situations completely wrong. But worst of all is that he's felt emboldened to go on diatribes when he should be focusing on the play-by-play instead. Some of these are hilariously canned (e.g. the Dougie uniform number rant) and others like tonight were just absolutely embarrassing overreactions.

It sucks that he crowds out Brickley's great color commentary. I wouldn't be too sad if Brick left for a national gig. But that might make the NESN feed unwatchable.
 

gryoung

Member
SoSH Member
The only thing worse than the officiating tonight was Jack's histrionics.

I have to admit that Jack did bring something worthwhile to the table for a while: a genuine energy and excitement to calling the game that wouldn't waver even if the B's opponents scored. He also did a diligent job getting the players' names right.

For one, he's slipped in recent years and frequently gets players and game situations completely wrong. But worst of all is that he's felt emboldened to go on diatribes when he should be focusing on the play-by-play instead. Some of these are hilariously canned (e.g. the Dougie uniform number rant) and others like tonight were just absolutely embarrassing overreactions.

It sucks that he crowds out Brickley's great color commentary. I wouldn't be too sad if Brick left for a national gig. But that might make the NESN feed unwatchable.
I look forward to B’s games that are nationally broadcast. It’s a treat to be away from Edwards.
 

veritas

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 13, 2009
3,151
Somerville, MA
Imagining a duo of Goucher and Brick makes Jack even more insufferable. We could have had what would have been by far the best home broadcast team in the league.