For the first time in the NHL playoffs, NBC scored an increase in ratings and viewership.
Game 1 of the Lightning/Rangers NHL Eastern Conference final drew a 1.2 final rating and 1.9 million viewers on NBC last Saturday afternoon, up a third in ratings and 31% in viewership from Rangers/Canadiens last year (0.9, 1.4M). The comparable game in 2013, Bruins/Penguins Game 1, aired in primetime (2.0, 3.4M).
The Rangers’ win was NBC’s first game of the playoffs to have an increase in ratings and its second to have an increase in viewership.
On Sunday, Game 1 of the Blackhawks/Ducks Western Conference final drew a 1.3 and 2.1 million — down 7% and 5%, respectively, from Kings/Blackhawks last year (1.4, 2.2M). There was no comparable game in 2013.
Overall, ratings have declined for for seven of NBC’s eight playoff games that can be compared to last year.
(Wknd. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
