Finally, the NHL has risen over the TV ratings Mendoza line.
Last Sunday, NBC drew a 1.0/2 rating for Red Wings/Predators Game 6, likely marking the first time* since the Winter Classic that an NHL telecast has drawn at least 1% of U.S. television households.
The 1.0 final rating marks a 43% jump over the 0.7 for Devils/Lightning Game 6 last year. The game was the highest rated sports program on NBC for the entire weekend.
Ratings also increased for Flyers/Capitals Game 5 on Saturday. The fifth game of what turned out to be a seven game series drew a 0.9/3, up 13% from a 0.8 for Flames/Red Wings last year.
For the weekend, NBC averaged a 1.0 rating for NHL telecasts, up 25% from a 0.8 last year. Through the first two weekends of play, NBC is averaging a 0.9 rating for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, even with last year.
Stanley Cup Playoff ratings on NBC.
0.8: Predators/Red Wings Game 2 (Sat. 4/19, 2 PM NBC); down 20% from ’07.
0.8: Flyers/Capitals Game 2 (Sun. 4/20, 2 PM NBC); down 20% from ’07.
0.9: Flyers/Capitals Game 5 (Sat. 4/26, 1 PM NBC); up 13% from ’07.
1.0: Red Wings/Predators Game 6 (Sun. 4/27, 3 PM NBC); up 43% from ’07.
* Final ratings for Flyers/Penguins on NBC March 16 are unavailable. The game drew a 1.1 overnight rating, meaning it is possible that it drew a 1.0 final rating.
