After a successful Stanley Cup Finals in June, the NHL’s ratings momentum has continued into the start of the 2008-09 season.
Versus drew a 0.5 cable rating and 573,000 viewers for last Thursday’s season opening game between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, making the game the “most-watched regular-season game ever” on the network.
The record is even more impressive considering the game aired opposite Game 1 of the NLCS on FOX.
Maple Leafs/Red Wings was the first game of a season opening doubleheader. The nightcap, Bruins/Avalanche, drew a 0.3 with 361,000 viewers. Overall, the doubleheader was up 33% in ratings and 17% in total viewers versus the comparable night last year.
In Detroit, Maple Leafs/Red Wings drew a 4.0 rating, the best of the night for a cable network in the market. Bruins/Avalanche drew a 1.0 in Boston and a 1.8 in Denver.
