The Pittsburgh Penguins again led all NHL teams in local ratings, though the numbers dropped precipitously from last year. In related news, the Blackhawks scored their second-highest average ever on CSN Chicago, and the Blues set a new record on FS Midwest.
Penguins Top Local NHL Ratings Despite Huge Decline
- Pittsburgh Penguins NHL regular season games averaged a 7.55 rating on Root Sports Pittsburgh this season, down 40% from last year’s shortened season (12.66) and down 6% from the 2011-12 season (8.03). Despite the huge drop in ratings, the Penguins led all NHL teams in local ratings for the fifth straight season. (Root Sports)
Blackhawks Earn Second-Best Number on CSN Chicago
- Comcast SportsNet Chicago averaged a 4.29 rating for Blackhawks games this season, down 20% from last year (5.38), but up 38% from the 2011-12 season (3.11). This season’s top game on CSN Chicago — Avalanche/Blackhawks on January 14 (5.81) — would not have made the top ten last year, when the team set numerous ratings records due to its 24-game points streak. Even so, the 4.29 average is easily the second-best in the seven years CSN Chicago has carried Blackhawks games. (Chicago Business)
Blues Set Record on FS Midwest
- The St. Louis Blues averaged a 4.0 rating for games on Fox Sports Midwest this season, up a tick from last year (3.9), up 14% from 2011-12 (3.5), and the network’s highest average ever for Blues coverage. FS Midwest has now set a new record for Blues coverage in four straight seasons. (bizjournals.com)
