The Art of the Sports Montage: Why ABC’s Stanley Cup Finale Hit the Right Note
There’s something undeniably powerful about a well-crafted sports montage. It’s not just a highlight reel; it’s a storytelling tool that captures the essence of competition, triumph, and human emotion. So, when ABC closed its 2026 Stanley Cup Final coverage with a three-minute montage set to The Who’s Baba O’Riley, it wasn’t just a broadcast decision—it was a cultural statement. Personally, I think this move speaks volumes about what fans crave in an era dominated by bite-sized content and AI-generated highlights.
Why Montages Matter (Even When They’re Rare)
Let’s be clear: the sports montage isn’t a new invention. From One Shining Moment during March Madness to TNT’s recent French Open recap, these moments have long been a way to distill an entire season into a few emotional minutes. But here’s the thing—they’re becoming rarer. In my opinion, this scarcity is what makes ABC’s decision so noteworthy. In a world where networks often prioritize efficiency over emotion, taking the time to craft a montage feels almost rebellious.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how fans responded. Despite ESPN’s NHL coverage facing its fair share of criticism, the montage was widely praised. One fan called it “pretty damn good,” while another dubbed it “one of the few things ESPN got right.” This raises a deeper question: Are we underestimating the power of these moments? In an age where AI can generate highlights in seconds, a human-curated montage feels authentic—a reminder that sports are about more than just stats and scores.
The Music Matters More Than You Think
A detail that I find especially interesting is the music choice. Baba O’Riley isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem. Its driving rhythm and timeless lyrics evoke a sense of struggle and perseverance—themes that align perfectly with the Stanley Cup’s grueling journey. Compare that to Sportsnet’s Canadian version, which used Young & Wild by The Strumbellas. While equally effective, it highlights how music can shape the narrative of a montage.
From my perspective, this is where many networks fall short. A montage without the right soundtrack feels hollow. It’s like serving a gourmet meal on a paper plate. The music isn’t just background noise; it’s the emotional backbone of the piece. What this really suggests is that networks need to think more critically about these choices—because fans notice.
The Human Touch in an AI-Driven World
One thing that immediately stands out is how the montage’s success contrasts with the growing presence of AI in sports media. AI can generate highlights, predict outcomes, and even write game recaps, but it can’t curate a montage that makes you feel something. That’s a uniquely human skill.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is why fans loved ABC’s montage. It wasn’t just a collection of clips; it was a story told by someone who understands the sport. What many people don’t realize is that this human touch is becoming a luxury. As AI takes over more aspects of sports coverage, moments like these will only become more precious.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports Storytelling
Here’s where things get interesting: Will networks double down on montages, or will they continue to fade into obscurity? Personally, I think the former is possible—but only if they’re done right. A montage can’t just be an afterthought; it needs to be a labor of love.
What this really suggests is that fans are hungry for storytelling that goes beyond the surface. They want to feel connected to the athletes, the games, and the moments that define a season. If networks can tap into that, they’ll create something that AI can never replicate.
Final Thoughts
ABC’s Stanley Cup montage wasn’t just a highlight reel—it was a reminder of why we love sports. It captured the sweat, the tears, and the triumph in a way that only a human-crafted piece can. In my opinion, this is the kind of content that will stand the test of time.
As we move further into an AI-driven media landscape, moments like these will become even more valuable. They’re a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of sports. So, here’s my takeaway: Don’t underestimate the montage. In a world of endless content, it’s the stories that stick with us—and that’s something worth celebrating.
