The numbers may be tiny by most standards, but there is little question the NHL and NBC are pleased with the ratings for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals yesterday.
The Penguins’ victory over the Red Wings drew a 2.4 final national rating with 4.0 million viewers, up 118% and 144% respectively from a 1.1 with 1.7 million viewers last year. Keep in mind Game 3 last year aired on a Saturday night, the lowest rated night of the week.
The 2.4 rating is the highest for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals since 2002, when Red Wings/Hurricanes Game 3 drew a 3.3 rating. The 2.4 is also higher than the rating for any game from the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals.
Through three games, the Stanley Cup Finals are averaging a 1.6 rating on Versus and NBC, up 129% from a 0.7 through three games last year.
Stanley Cup Finals ratings.
1.2, 2.4 mil: Pens/Wings Gm 1 (Sat., 5/24, 8 PM VS); up 140% and 206% from ’07.
1.3, 2.6 mil: Pens/Wings Gm 2 (Mon., 5/26, 8 PM VS); up 225% and 353% from ’07.
2.4, 4.0 mil: Wings/Pens Gm 3 (Wed., 5/28, 8 PM NBC); up 114% and 144% from ’07.
