Veteran broadcaster Goldstein keeps growing with fastest sport on ice

In 22 years with the Florida Panthers, broadcaster Steve Goldstein has seen it all. Lockouts. Playoff runs. Controversial management shake-ups. Major free agent signings.

Newhouse alum Steve Goldstein
first joined the Florida Panthers in 1997.

He has also embraced the challenges that come with covering a constantly evolving league and franchise.

For instance, rule changes intended to reduce interference with player speed have accelerated game pace over the last decade, making commentary efficiency especially important on live broadcasts.

“You've got to make that, literally, half second decision on what to leave out and what not to,” Goldstein explained.

During Goldstein’s time with the Panthers, media and fans around the league have also become more familiar with more advanced game and player analytics. Goldstein believes some simpler analytics-based comparisons--like differences between a team’s shot attempts and shots registered on goal--can and have been adding value to broadcasts in the latter half of this decade.

But Goldstein also feels that other advanced statistics requiring deeper explanation, like a player’s Corsi statistic, don’t fit naturally in broadcasts of a sport with hockey’s speed.

“Just be the supplemental part of the story,” Goldstein said, referring to his focus on letting the action speak for itself. “The story is right there on the screen.”

Access the full Q&A audio here. Access the full Q&A transcript here.