Analysis of local ratings for the start of the NHL season shows 12 U.S. teams with double-digit percentage increases in viewership compared to the same time period a year ago. The Buffalo Sabres remain the highest-rated NHL team with an 8.9 average household rating in their market –and boast a 14% increase in viewership from 2007 as well.  The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the number two slot, with a 5.7 local rating, a 21% increase over last season.

NHL Local Ratings Box Score
• The Washington Capitals‘ ratings are up 140% compared to a year ago, thanks in part to reigning NHL MVP, Alex Ovechkin, continuing his great play and leading the Caps to first place in the Southeast division.
• The Chicago Blackhawks are televising all of their regular season home games for the first time, and viewers are responding to their exciting young team with a 71% boost in average ratings from last season.
• Not only are the San Jose Sharks on top of their division, they also have an impressive 50% increase over last season’s ratings in the SF-SJ-OAK Market..
• While economic conditions may be slowing Colorado Avalanche attendance, it may be helping the ratings: The Avs’ viewership is up 36% in Denver.
• The New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, who skate in the nation’s two largest markets, are also outperforming last season, both with 33% increases in local viewership.

Read coverage of Nielsen’s findings in The Washington Post, the Washington Business Journal and The Mercury News (Silicon Valley).