U.S.-Canada Earns 4.3 Rating On MSNBC

Sunday’s dramatic U.S.-Canada’s men’s hockey game is creating almost as much talk about NBC’s programming decisions as it is about America’s chance to win its first Gold Medal in 30 years. The game delivers MSNBC’s second-largest audience ever with 8.22 million viewers, and some critics are calling the move to put the game on cable a missed opportunity to spotlight the sport. Others are critical of NBC not cutting into its pre-determined primetime coverage with live updates from the U.S.’ upset win. NBC's decision could strengthen the NHL's questioning of its participation in the Games. If a live marquee matchup from North America does not warrant network coverage, what kind of air time will hockey receive in four years with Sochi located eight hours ahead of the East Coast? Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada facing off in a predictable women's hockey final as U.S. players like Angela Ruggiero try to cash in on their success.

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