NBCSN scored a near-record overnight for the deciding game of the NHL Eastern Conference final.
Game 7 of the Lightning/Rangers NHL Eastern Conference final earned a 2.65 overnight rating NBCSN Friday night, the second-highest ever for a non-final NHL game on the network (previously VERSUS and OLN). Only last year’s Kings/Blackhawks Game 7 earned a higher overnight (3.2).
The Rangers have now played in two of NBCSN’s four highest rated playoff games in the metered markets, excluding the Stanley Cup Final. Their Game 7 win over the Capitals earlier this month ranks fourth (2.3).
Compared to the last Game 7 of an Eastern Conference final, Friday’s overnight increased 53% over Lightning/Bruins in 2011 (1.7).
The Lightning’s win earned an 11.9 rating in Tampa-St. Petersburg, the market’s highest rating ever for an NHL game the NBC family of networks. Keep in mind the Lightning’s 2004 championship run aired on ESPN/ABC. In New York, the game drew a 10.3 rating — the market’s highest ever for an NHL game on NBCSN.
(Fri. numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
