The hot start to the NHL conference finals has continued on NBC Sports Network.
Game 3 of the Penguins/Bruins NHL Eastern Conference final drew 2.8 million viewers on NBC Sports Network Wednesday night, up 89% from Rangers/Devils Game 3 on broadcast network NBC last year (1.5M), and up 102% from Bruins/Lightning Game 3 on cable in 2011 (1.4M).
Wednesday’s game, which ended in double-overtime, earned the largest audience for the NHL conference finals on cable since Red Wings/Avalanche Game 6 on ESPN in 2002 (3.0M). The previous 11-year high was set by Monday’s Game 2 of the series (2.6M).
Of note, Penguins/Bruins had a higher rating among adults 18-49 (1.2) than any program on the NBC broadcast network Wednesday night.
Game 3 drew a 21.89 rating in Boston, actually down 6% from Game 2 (23.36). In Pittsburgh, the game earned a 22.71 rating — up 14% from Game 2 (19.91).
On Tuesday night, Game 3 of the Blackhawks/Kings Western Conference final drew a 1.1 U.S. rating and 1.8 million viewers on NBCSN — up 119% in viewership from Coyotes/Kings Game 3 last year (827K), and up 154% from Sharks/Canucks Game 3 in 2011 (714K).
The game drew a 14.72 rating in Chicago, down 11% from Sunday’s Game 2 (16.6). In Los Angeles, the game drew a 2.97 rating, the market’s highest ever for a conference final game on NBCSN.
(Wed. nationals from The Futon Critic, local numbers and Tue. nationals from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
