ESPN broadcaster Sean McDonough’s announcing during Game 3 of this year’s Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night sounded a bit off.
On this Florida Panthers goal, you can hear McDonough’s muted call that doesn’t carry the enthusiasm we’re typically used to when it comes to listening to the regular broadcaster.
McDonough is a pro’s pro, which is why he didn’t suddenly forget to bring his A-game to calling a championship series. It’s very possible that McDonough was under the weather and was powering through Game 3’s broadcast.
Something was off, and it’s not hard to imagine that McDonough was battling some sort of ailment with his dampened delivery on the game call.
FLORIDA TAKES THE LEAD AGAIN 😼 #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: ABC & @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/Pp9X7OGP3W
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/wUPkNJlOQv— NHL (@NHL) June 14, 2024
NHL fans noticed something wasn’t right with McDonough and wondered if he had some sort of bug.
Kudos to Sean McDonough, a true professional.
His voice is not holding up well. But it's the Stanley Cup Final. Nobody is 100% this time of the year. You suit up and get ready for another game. You got this, Sean.
— Owen (@Alakazam_428) June 14, 2024
Sean McDonagh sick? He sounds more uninterested than usual
— kaitlyn (@kaitlynclark) June 14, 2024
Sean McDonough just sounds like he’s really sick. Can hear his voice sounds different and he does not have the energy for the moment.
— Nick Case’s Songs of the Summer (@Nick422) June 14, 2024
Sean McDonough sounds like he may be under the weather…I'm aware of the snark, but, he doesn't sound the same…#StanleyCupFinal
— Zig Fracassi (@ZigSportsVoice) June 14, 2024
I know everyone is on McDonagh but it’s obvious he’s battling a cold. He’s reaching for energy that just isn’t there. https://t.co/E97Vou1koZ
— Panther Pourri: A Florida Hockey Now Podcast (@PantherPourri) June 14, 2024
Sean McDonagh sounds like he has a cold. Even though it's a nice night in Edmonton just the thought of going up there to call a game gave him a cold. 😃 @ESPN
— Yotes 2.0 on the way (@CoyotesAvs12) June 14, 2024
I respect Sean McDonough for trying to battle through being sick, but from there’s absolutely zero energy on the broadcast right now.
From personal experience, calling a hockey game while you’re under the weather sucks.
If Edmonton wins tonight @espnbob should fill in for G4.
— Trey Wright (@TreyWrightPxP) June 14, 2024
Feature image courtesy of ESPN.
