Fueled by a big lead-in, Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final set a viewership record on NBC.
Game 2 of the Blackhawks/Lightning Stanley Cup Final earned a 3.9 final rating and 6.5 million viewers on NBC Saturday night, up 5% in ratings and 3% in viewership from Rangers/Kings last year (3.7, 6.4M), and up 95% and 65%, respectively, from Bruins/Blackhawks on NBCSN in 2013 (2.0, 4.0M).
The Lightning’s win ranks as the highest rated and most-watched Stanley Cup Final game on a Saturday night since Devils/Avalanche Game 7 in 2001 (4.2, 6.9M).
Excluding series-clinchers, it also ranks as the most-watched Stanley Cup Final game on any night since the event returned to broadcast television in 1995, and is tied as the highest rated since Devils/Stars Game 5 on ABC in 2000 (4.2).
As was the case last year, Game 2 had a direct lead-in from The Belmont Stakes. While the Belmont had a lower rating and fewer viewers than last year, American Pharoah‘s successful Triple Crown bid resulted in stronger numbers for post-race coverage. NBC earned 18.3 million viewers from 7-7:15 PM ET, up 8% from last year, and 10.7 million stuck around from 7:15-7:30 — the final quarter-hour before the game began.
Among adults 18-49, Game 2 had a 1.9 rating — actually down 10% from last year (2.1).
UPDATE 6/9: Post updated with the final numbers, as opposed to the fast-nationals.
(Sat. fast-nationals from NBC Sports Group Press Box; adjusted numbers from TV Media Insights)
