Overnight ratings were identical for the opening games of the NHL conference finals, but fared far differently compared to last year.
Game 1 of the Lightning/Rangers NHL Eastern Conference final earned a 1.7 overnight rating on NBC Saturday afternoon, up 42% from Rangers/Canadiens last year (1.2). The network’s comparable game in 2013, Bruins/Penguins Game 1, aired in primetime and earned a 2.5 overnight.
Of the eight playoff games on NBC that can be compared to last year, the Rangers’ win was the first to have an increase in overnight ratings.
NBC also earned a 1.7 overnight for Game 1 of the Blackhawks/Ducks Western Conference final Sunday afternoon, but that was down 11% from Kings/Blackhawks last year (1.9). There was no comparable window in 2013.
(Wknd. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
