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.
| Top US Local Ratings 2008-09 Season | |
|---|---|
| NHL Teams | Avg. Local HH Rating |
| Buffalo Sabres | 8.9 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 5.7 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 3.3 |
| Minnesota Wild | 2.6 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 2.1 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 1.9 |
| St. Louis Blues | 1.9 |
| Boston Bruins | 1.6 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 1.3 |
| Washington Capitals | 1.2 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1.2 |
| San Jose Sharks | 1.2 |
| NY Rangers | 1.2 |
| Source: 2008 The Nielsen Company | |
| 2008-09 Season vs. 2007-08 Season Ratings % Change |
|
|---|---|
| NHL Teams | % Change YOY |
| Washington Capitals | 140% |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 71% |
| San Jose Sharks | 50% |
| Colorado Avalanche | 36% |
| LA Kings | 33% |
| Phoenix Coyotes | 33% |
| NY Rangers | 33% |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 30% |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 25% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 21% |
| Boston Bruins | 14% |
| Buffalo Sabres | 14% |
| Source: 2008 The Nielsen Company | |
Read coverage of Nielsen’s findings in The Washington Post, the Washington Business Journal and The Mercury News (Silicon Valley).
