The Stanley Cup Playoffs have concluded, and the attention has shifted to the NHL Draft and other significant moves. However, there’s a reason to celebrate the impressive ratings from this year’s playoffs.
Record-Breaking Ratings
According to Sports Media Watch, the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC, ESPN, and TNT Sports averaged 1.8 million viewers, a 68% increase over last year and the highest since 1996. The reason behind this surge can be attributed to the remarkable six months for American hockey, with the US men’s and women’s teams capturing gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Olympics, combined with the well-received 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in 2025, have captivated the nation and contributed to the growth of hockey’s popularity. The NHL is reaping the rewards of leaning into the international game, which has helped increase the sport’s popularity nationwide.
The recent Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights was one of the most-watched ever, with a couple of the wildest games in Stanley Cup Final history. The league must now maintain this momentum, and continuing to focus on international hockey seems to be the key.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
