The Winter Classic slipped below 2% of U.S. television homes for the first time, but still attracted a strong number for regular season hockey.
The Blackhawks/Capitals NHL Winter Classic drew a 1.9 rating and 3.5 million viewers on NBC Thursday afternoon, according to Nielsen fast-nationals — down 24% in ratings and 21% in viewership from Maple Leafs/Red Wings last year (2.5, 4.4M) and down 10% and 7%, respectively, from Rangers/Flyers in 2012 (2.1, 3.7M).
The Capitals’ last-second win ranks as the lowest rated and least-watched NHL Winter Classic ever (seven telecasts dating back to 2008). The previous lows were a 2.1 (2010 and 2012) and just under 3.7 million (2010).
On a more positive note, the Winter Classic earned the seventh-highest rating and viewership for an NHL regular season game since Nielsen began using People Meters in 1987. Keep in mind that excludes regional windows, including a 1996 telecast on FOX that averaged 3.8 million viewers and a 1999 telecast that drew a 2.2 rating.
The Winter Classic faced tougher college football competition than usual, at least on ESPN. The Cotton Bowl drew a 5.2 rating and 9.1 million viewers, up 63% and 67%, respectively, from the network’s comparable Outback Bowl last year (3.2, 5.4M). Ratings and viewership were not available for the two other competing bowls, the Citrus on ABC and Outback on ESPN2.
Locally, Thursday’s game drew an 11.4 in Chicago and a 5.7 in Washington (DC). The Chicago rating was down 3% from the Blackhawks’ last Winter Classic appearance in 2009, a home game at Wrigley Field (11.8). The Washington rating declined by 25% from the Capitals’ last appearance in 2011, when the Winter Classic was moved to primetime. Buffalo (6.4), St. Louis (3.9) and Pittsburgh (3.5) were the other cities in the top five.
(Thu. numbers from NBC Sports)
