Two months into the season, the Washington Capitals are continuing their ratings momentum from last season.
The Capitals, whose playoff games drew record ratings last spring, have seen the biggest increase in ratings among U.S. NHL teams during the 2008-09 season. Capitals telecasts are averaging a 1.2 rating, up 140% from the comparable point in ’07.
While the Capitals are the lone U.S. NHL team to see a triple-digit jump in ratings compared to last year, other teams have seen big increases as well. The Chicago Blackhawks, televising all 82 games this season after blacking out home games in the past, have seen their ratings rise 71%. The success of the San Jose Sharks, owners of the best record in hockey, has translated to a 50% increase in ratings in the Bay Area.
Six other NHL teams have seen their ratings increase by at least 20%, including the Colorado Avalanche (1.9 rating, up 36%), New York Rangers (1.2 rating, up 33%) and the defending Eastern Conference Champion Pittsburgh Penguins (5.7 rating, up 21%).
Overall, the top U.S. NHL markets are the usual suspects: Buffalo leads the way with an 8.9 average, up 14%, followed by Pittsburgh (5.7), Detroit (3.3), Minnesota (2.6) and Philadelphia (2.1).
