The NBC broadcast network had another drop in ratings and viewership for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Game 2 of the Capitals/Rangers Stanley Cup playoff series drew a 0.9 final rating and 1.3 million viewers on NBC last Saturday afternoon, down 18% in ratings and 30% in viewership from Canadiens/Bruins last year (1.1, 1.8M) and down 18% and 24%, respectively, from Red Wings/Blackhawks in 2013 (1.1, 1.7M).
Of the six NHL playoff games on NBC that can be compared to last year, each has had a decline in ratings and five have had a decline in viewership. Game 3 of Predators/Blackhawks managed a 2% viewership increase on the first weekend of the postseason.
Keep in mind that the telecast aired opposite the final day of the NFL Draft on ESPN and NFL Network (1.8M), while the comparable telecasts last year and in 2013 did not face such competition.
(Sat. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
