The kings of the NHL sat atop the ratings throne during the 2009-10 regular season.
Penguins games averaged an 8.05 rating on FSN Pittsburgh during the regular season*, up 26% from last year, and the highest average rating for any NHL team.
Following the Penguins were the Sabres (6.45, down 19%), Red Wings (4.21, up 5%) and Blackhawks (2.45, up 131%).
The 131% increase in ratings for the Blackhawks was the largest of any NHL team during the season, topping a 100% rise for the Islanders (0.36). The Blackhawks on CSN Chicago actually topped the Bulls (2.35) and White Sox (2.28, 2009 season).
Other teams with large increases include the Coyotes on FS Arizona (0.62 rating, up 55%), the Kings on FS West (0.48, up 50%), the Ducks on FS Prime Ticket (0.42, up 50%) and the Devils on MSG Plus (0.58, up 49%).
Despite their large increases, the Kings, Ducks and Islanders ranked among the lowest rated NHL teams during the regular season. The Thrashers (0.33 on SportSouth) and Panthers (0.25 on FS Florida) were the two lowest rated teams.
The Wild had the largest decrease in ratings of any team, as their 1.67 rating on FS North was down 27% from last year. The Blue Jackets (1.39, down 25%) and Sharks (1.11, down 21%) also had decreases of at least 20%.
* Sports Business Journal data is through April 9. The NHL regular season ended on April 11. A press release from the Pittsburgh Penguins indicates that their full season average rating was an 8.17. However, because the data for the rest of the teams mentioned in this article is through April 9 and not the full season, the Sports Business Journal number of 8.05 will be used for a fair comparison.
* Ratings for the Hurricanes and Predators not included.
