"From NBC in 2020-21 to TNT & ESPN in 2021-22, this season marked the largest spike in overall average viewers ever.
The new NHL media rights deal brought in more new hockey viewers than ever, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs being comprised of almost 25% entirely new NHL viewers.
Overall, the 2021-22 season brought in an average of 52% MORE viewers per game than last season.
The hype around the game of hockey was real this season, and the new TV deal was the primary factor."