The NHL ratings renaissance must have skipped Dallas.
The Red Wings/Stars Western Conference Finals is drawing much higher numbers in Detroit than Dallas. The first three games averaged a mere 1.6 rating in Dallas, compared to a 9.0 in Detroit. Game 1 of the series drew only a 1.1 rating.
The disparity is so large that it cannot only be explained by a higher level of interest in ‘Hockeytown’. After all, fans in Dallas were tuning into games prior to the Conference Finals. Game 6 between the Stars and Sharks drew a 4.2 rating.
The main culprit here is likely the Versus cable network. Conference Final games are exclusive to Versus, meaning there is no other option for fans to turn to if they do not have access to the channel. And considering that Dallas is not as dedicated a hockey market as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Detroit, many fans may not even be aware of Versus. Or, quoting Dallas Morning News columnist Barry Horn, “to most folks in D-FW, Versus is a foreign concept.”
Obviously, the result of the series so far has not helped ratings either. Heading into last night, the Stars trailed 3-0. Their 3-1 victory over the Red Wings not only saved their season, but has given all of Dallas an opportunity to watch at least one game. Game 5 will be televised by NBC.
