The Pittsburgh Penguins are attracting the largest local television audiences in the NHL.
Penguins games averaged a 8.08 rating (93,000 HHs) on FSN Pittsburgh through January 2, up 33% from last year, and the highest local rating for any NHL team this season.
The Penguins are well ahead of the second-place Buffalo Sabres, whose games on MSG have averaged a 6.17 rating (39,000 HHs) — down 29% from last year.
Following the Penguins and Sabres are the Red Wings (4.06 rating, up 11%), Blues (2.27 rating, up 47%), Flyers (2.16 rating, down 1%) and Bruins (2.14 rating, down 2%).
So far this season, the team with the largest increase in ratings is the New York Islanders, whose paltry 0.38 rating on MSG marks a 124% increase from last year.
The Blackhawks have the second-largest increase, the 1.94 rating for their games on CSN Chicago marks an 80% rise. And the Panthers, who are averaging a mere 0.26 rating (4,000 HHs) on FS Florida, have the third-largest increase (73%).
On the flip side, the Wild have suffered the largest decrease in ratings, as the 1.57 rating for their games on FS North is down 32%.
Overall, viewership for local NHL telecasts is up 6% this season, with Comcast up 15%, FSN up 9% and MSG up 5%.
* Ratings for Hurricanes and Predators telecasts not included
