It was the worst-performing outdoor game on broadcast television, but Sunday’s Blackhawks/Wild clash still did well for Hockey Day in America.
Sunday’s Blackhawks/Wild NHL Stadium Series game, part of Hockey Day in America, scored a 1.1 final rating and 1.9 million viewers on NBC — up a tick in ratings and 19% in viewership from Bruins/Blackhawks last year (1.0, 1.6M). There was no comparable game in 2014 due to the Winter Olympics.
Minnesota’s blowout win ranks as the lowest rated and least-watched outdoor NHL game on broadcast television (11 telecasts dating back to 2008), falling below the previous marks of 1.3 and 2.1 million for a Rangers/Devils game in January ’14.
With that said, it also ranks as the third-most watched Hockey Day in America telecast — trailing only Penguins/Blackhawks in 2011 (1.89M to 1.86M) and a three-game regional in 2012 (1.94M).
In other action, Penguins/Sabres scored a 0.7 and 1.0 million viewers in the early window — matching Capitals/Flyers last year. The Red Wings/Rangers nightcap delivered a 0.4 and 694,000 on NBCSN, up 100% in ratings and 117% in viewership from Stars/Wild last year (0.2, 320K), and the network’s most-watched Hockey Day telecast yet.
Overall, the Hockey Day in America tripleheader averaged 1.2 million viewers across NBC and NBCSN, up 21% from last year’s 922,000.
(Wknd. numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
