The NHL continues to lose its momentum on broadcast television.
Sunday’s rematch of the Western Conference Finals, featuring the Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings, drew a 0.9/2 overnight on NBC, even with the comparable game last year. Since drawing a 2.6 overnight for the Winter Classic in January, NBC has averaged a 0.9 overnight rating for its three subsequent NHL telecasts.
The 0.9 average is an 18% decline from the 1.1 NBC averaged through the comparable date last year. When one includes the Winter Classic, NBC is averaging a 1.4 overnight for four NHL games, up 27% from last year.
Overnight ratings for the NHL on NBC.
2.6: Penguins/Sabres (1/1/08, 1 PM)
1.1: Bruins/Rangers (1/20/08, 12:30 PM)
0.8: Rangers/Canadiens (2/3/08, 2 PM)
0.9: Ducks/Red Wings (2/10/08, 3:30 PM)
