Rink Ratings: Versus, Regional Nets Tracking Gains

Through 22 games, the NHL on Versus is averaging a 0.3 HH rating, up from a 0.2 HH rating through the same number of games last season. Versus is also seeing gains in viewers (up 24%), as well as with men 18-34 (up 1%), 18-49 (up 27%), and 25-54 (up 43%). The most-viewed game this far this season has been the Flyers-Penguins matchup on December 11, which earned a 0.5 national HH rating and 445,096 viewers.  That game was also the net's most-watched NHL regular-season telecast ever.  The following presents ratings for NHL games on Versus through 22 games, with comparisons to the same point last season (THE DAILY).

REGIONAL COVERAGE: Regional coverage for NHL teams is also seeing some healthy gains. For the first time, Comcast SportsNet Chicago has been able to air select Blackhawks home games, and the broadcasts are averaging a 0.93 HH rating for three telecasts. When compared to the year-ago period, Blackhawks telecasts are down 45% to date, averaging a 0.6 HH rating, but they are in the area where the team’s telecasts usual finish the season. On the whole, CSN’s telecasts for its four NHL teams are slightly up through the same period last year. On MSG, the Rangers are delivering a 1.08 HH rating through 23 telecasts, up 124% over the same point last year.  The net has seen strong ratings in the male 18-34 demo, which is averaging a 1.4 HH rating, up from a 0.2 HH rating at the same point last season.  Ratings on FSN are also seeing an increase from the same period last year, as the net is up 24.7% through 258 games, led by the Blues, who are seeing a 125% increase through 16 games on FSN Midwest.  The following lists HH ratings for NHL teams in the U.S. to date, compared to the same period last season.

NOTES: n/a = Ratings for the Hurricanes, Predators, Sabres, Bruins and Avalanche were not available at presstime.