Sports media (in this case, coverage of hockey) is feeling the effects of the blogosphere in a similar way that mainstream news media has for the last 3 or 4 years. Blogs are supplanting traditional sources by offering insight beyond mere headlines and recycled AP reports. Quality blogs have whet the appetite of those who look for specialized information, and in many cases have since become exclusive sources for these folks. The success of OFB and other outlets present a convincing argument that hockey or a sports team like the Capitals is hardly a ‘niche’ interest or only for the hardcore. Often, it’s that folks simply don’t know what they’re missing. When given a choice between the usual de-specialized headlines versus something candid, and rich with pertinent information, there’s little question of which source they’re more like to follow from then on. Especially if this source has a team behind it, that can provide timely updates.

Bill does it better and to a larger auidence than Lou Dobbs.

But then again, 60 Minutes beat them all to the punch and has been doing it for years…