The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs got off to a strong start on NBC, thanks to one of the game’s fiercest rivalries.
Game 1 of the Canadiens/Bruins second round Stanley Cup playoff series earned 1.9 million viewers on NBCSN Thursday night, the third-largest audience ever for a second round game on the network (dates back to 2006). Only Games 6 and 7 of last year’s Blackhawks/Red Wings series attracted more viewers.
The game also ranks as the most-viewed Game 1 of a second round series on NBCSN. The last second round opener to earn a larger audience was Devils/Flyers in 2012, which aired on the NBC broadcast network (2.5M). Game 1 was also the most-viewed second round game on NBCSN to involve a Canadian team.
Locally, Game 1 earned a 17.6 rating in Boston — the market’s second-best ever for a second round game on NBCSN.
(Thu. numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
