The Boston Bruins’ historic comeback in Game 7 against the Maple Leafs scored big local numbers, but trailed last year.
Game 7 of the Maple Leafs/Bruins first round Stanley Cup playoff series drew a 16.8 rating on NESN in Boston Monday night, down 14% from Capitals/Bruins last year (19.6), and down 5% from Canadiens/Bruins in 2011 (17.7).
Though down from those previous Game 7s, Monday’s game ranks as the third-highest rated ever on NESN. Prior to 2011, the network’s highest Bruins rating was a 14.1.
In addition, the game also earned the largest television audience in Boston since the February 24 Academy Awards.
In other Game 7 action Monday night, the Rangers’ blowout of the Capitals drew a 4.5 rating on MSG Network in New York — down 22% from Senators/Rangers Game 7 last year (5.7), but still the network’s second-best Rangers rating since 1997.
