Both NBC and NBCSN had big increases for NHL coverage last Sunday. In other news, the Blues have set multiple ratings records on FS Midweset, and Blackhawks ratings held steady on CSN Chicago.
Big Gains For NHL on NBC, NBCSN, Last Sunday
- Last Sunday’s Penguins/Flyers NHL regular season game drew a 0.9 final rating and 1.5 million viewers on NBC, up 29% in ratings and 50% in viewership from Blues/Blackhawks last year (0.7, 1.0M) and up 50% and 66%, respectively, from Blues/Red Wings in 2013 (0.6, 902K). Later in the night, NBCSN drew a 0.4 (+100%) and 716,000 (+140%) for Blues/Blackhawks — despite airing against MLB Opening Night coverage that featured the same two markets (Cardinals/Cubs on ESPN2). (via Sports Business Daily, Awful Announcing)
Blues Set Ratings Records on FS Midwest
- Tuesday’s Jets/Blues NHL game earned an 8.4 rating on Fox Sports Midwest in the St. Louis market, the network’s highest regular season rating ever. Four of the network’s five highest rated games took place this season. For the full 2014-15 season, Blues games averaged a 4.9 rating on FS Midwest — up 22% from last year and the network’s highest average ever. (blues.nhl.com)
Blackhawks Ratings Virtually Even on CSN Chicago
- Chicago Blackhawks NHL games averaged a 4.30 rating on Comcast SportsNet Chicago this season, virtually even with last year (4.29) and down 20% from the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season (5.38). This season’s average is the second-highest ever on CSN Chicago, trailing only 2012-13. (chicagobusiness.com)
