ABC would simulcast Lightning-Rangers Game 7

Finals remains in the 6.0 rating, 11 million viewer range

Jon Lewis

Jon Lewis has been covering the sports media industry on a daily basis since 2006 as the founder and main writer of Sports Media Watch. You can contact him here or on the social media websites X (Twitter) or Bluesky.

Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake, second from right, celebrates his goal with defenseman Alexander Nikishin, left, and left wing Taylor Hall, second from left, as Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon looks on during the first period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Cup Final fourth-most watched on record through four games

by Jon Lewis

3 days ago

A Stanley Cup Final that started with low expectations now ranks among the most-watched on record through four games.

Las Vegas, NV - June 6, 2026 - T-Mobile Arena: Mitch Marner (93), William Karlsson (71) of the Vegas Golden Knights and Alexander Nikishin (21), Brandon Bussi (32) of the Carolina Hurricanes during game three of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
(Photo by Al Powers / ESPN Images)

Stanley Cup Final hits more ratings, viewership highs in Game 3

by Jon Lewis

6 days ago

The Stanley Cup Final continues light up the scoreboard, both literally and in the ratings.

Raleigh, NC - June 4, 2026 - Lenovo Center: Logan Stankoven (22) of the Carolina Hurricanes during game two of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
(Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)

Cup Final ratings, viewership, maintain hot pace in Game 2

by Jon Lewis

1 week ago

The good times continue to roll for the NHL as the Stanley Cup Final posted another viewership mark on...

Raleigh, NC - June 2, 2026 - Lenovo Center: Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes beginning game one of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
(Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)

Stanley Cup Final opens with highest rated, most-watched Game 1 since ’19

by Jon Lewis

2 weeks ago

Continuing a months-long hot streak, the NHL Stanley Cup Final opened with its largest U.S. audience in seven years.

Comments 2

Esl says:

4 years ago

Interesting note. This will not be the first time ABC waited until game 7 to broadcast a game in a series. Happened way back in the 1979 Stanley Cup finals. When there was no US rights. See below broadcasting notes from the 79 finals..
“The Stanley Cup Finals were produced by CBC, who carried the game in Canada and were shown in the United States on the NHL’s syndicated package. Dan Kelly called the play-by-play for Games 1, 3, 4, and 5 entirely. Danny Gallivan and Kelly split play-by-play for Game 2 only. Gary Dornhoefer served as color commentator for Games 1 and 5, Gerry Pinder served as color commentator for Game 2 only, Bobby Orr served as color commentator from Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, Dick Irvin Jr. served as color commentator for the entire Finals. He also served as studio host in Montreal, Dave Hodge in New York City, and Howie Meeker served as studio analyst. ABC was contracted to televise game seven.[5][6] Since the Finals ended in five games, the contract was void.[7].”
Samuel says:

4 years ago

Would love to see this just because of how unique it would be and especially considering Disney refused to put a single game on broadcast all playoffs. As a Rangers fan though, I’m not confident at all this will happen. Lightning seem to be ready to win this in six at home. But smart move to at least put Game 7 on ABC if it happens and to move the Final up to Wednesday if necessary. What I don’t like is Game 6 remaining exclusively on ESPN on a Saturday which makes no sense but I guess you can’t ask for that much when it comes to the NHL.