The NHL postseason is off to a historic start
The 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs are off to a historic start in terms of viewers. Especially on new NHL channels TNT and ESPN, which seem to be helping grow the game to new viewers.
TNT has seen averages of almost 1.76 million viewers per game, while ESPN has also seen 1.48 million on average. Out of this, 11% are individuals who are new to watching the NHL playoffs, more than 150,000 on average per game.
The NHL was even rivalling the NBA at times, with basketball viewers tending to switch to hockey more than ever.
These numbers are way more than any recorded data from the first two rounds of the postseason in NHL history. If the third round continues, which it will if the Oilers and Avalanche series continues to live up to the hype, it should have no issue continuing this trend.
Even the NHL's biggest stars are aware of what the viewers mean to the game. Including Nathan MacKinnon, who hopes that it lowers escrow for the players.
| POLL | ||
Is this the best NHL playoffs you've ever watched? | ||
| Yes | 50 | 48.5 % |
| No | 53 | 51.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
