Ducks’ Game 4 Looms as Problem Because of Lakers’ TV Conflict

While Game 3 of the Mighty Ducks’ home playoff series with Detroit on Tuesday night will be carried by both Fox Sports West and Fox Sports West 2, Game 4 Thursday night will only be on Fox Sports West 2.

Fox Sports West has been simulcasting Duck playoff games but is unable to simulcast Thursday’s game because of the Lakers face Utah in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series at the same time.

The Ducks figure to request that the Southern California blackout of ESPN2 of Thursday’s game be lifted, but Fox Sports West may contest it.

“We believe we have exclusive rights,” Kitty Cohen, Fox Sports West general manager, said Sunday. “What Thursday night’s situation shows is that we really do need two channels.”

Cohen said Fox Sports West will continue to offer cable operators Fox Sports West 2 free with no obligation as long as the Ducks remain alive.

Fox Sports West 2 is available on only a few cable systems in Southern California and none in Orange County. Cohen said negotiations with cable companies regarding Fox Sports West 2 are progressing and some deals are imminent.

Possibly before Thursday?

“Possibly,” Cohen said.