After another strong performance for the Winter Classic, ratings for the NHL on NBC fell back to earth.
NBC drew a 1.1/3 overnight rating for the Penguins’ win over the Rangers on Sunday afternoon, even with last year’s comparable Bruins/Rangers tilt. This marks the third consecutive year that the season premiere of the NHL on NBC has drawn a 1.1 overnight; in 2006, the first year NBC began airing NHL games, the network drew a 1.5 for its season debut.
If last season is any indication, the 1.1 overnight may be the best NBC can hope for until the playoffs. Last season, no NHL telecast on NBC excluding the Winter Classic drew over a 1.1 overnight rating.
