mls

Thanks to the NHL lockout last season, plus a new television contract with NBC Sports Network, the MLS Playoffs received as much national television coverage as ever in 2012. This year, things appear to be bumping up another notch. Through leg one of the conference semifinals, every game will be on national television. 

NBC will combine with ESPN and NBC's group of regional sports networks to cover every early playoff game. Four of the six games will air on NBCSN (though three will likely be picking up local feeds, something the network has done for the NHL in the past), while one gets national broadcast treatment on NBC. That game will feature the New York Red Bulls and air Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

ESPN will also get one game in their somewhat typical Sunday night slot. TSN2 in Canada will cover both of the Montreal Impact's potential playoff games, as they're the only Canadian team in the running.

Early-round MLS Playoff TV schedule

Date/Time Matchup Network
Oct. 30, 10:30 p.m. ET Seattle vs. Colorado (Knockout) NBCSN
Oct. 31, 8:30 p.m. ET Houston vs. Montreal (Knockout) NBCSN
Nov. 2, 8 p.m. ET New England vs. Sporting KC (Leg 1) NBCSN
Nov. 2, 10 p.m. ET Seattle or Colorado vs. Portland (Leg 1) NBCSN*
Nov. 3, 3:30 p.m. ET Houston or Montreal vs. New York (Leg 1) NBC*
Nov. 3, 9 p.m. ET Los Angeles vs. Real Salt Lake (Leg 1) ESPN*

*-denotes exclusive telecast.

About Steve Lepore

Steve Lepore is a writer for Bloguin and a correspondent for SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.