While the merits of Gary Bettman‘s southern strategy are subject to debate, there is little doubt the NHL is pleased to have traditional markets in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Boston and New York are just two of the huge markets where NHL ratings have drawn strong ratings.
In Boston, the Bruins’ four-game sweep of the Canadiens averaged a massive 9.2 rating on NESN, making it the highest rated playoff series ever on the net. The series featured the third, fourth and fifth highest rated Bruins games ever on NESN.
Meanwhile, in New York, the Rangers continue to see solid numbers for their series against Washington. Games 3 and 4 between the Rangers and Captials have been the two highest rated Rangers games on MSG since 1997, with Game 3 drawing a 2.72 on Monday night, and Game 4 scoring a 2.86 rating on Wednesday. Game 4 even managed to outdraw a Mets game on SNY the same day.
