NHL teams averaged 17,445 fans per game this season, up 1.8% from last season and up 2.8% from two seasons ago. Only four NHL teams saw a decrease in attendance, while attendance for eight teams was virtually flat. Among Eastern Conference teams, attendance was up 3.1%, led by the Canadiens, who continued their home sellout streak that dates back to '04. Despite the lowest attendance in the conference, the Islanders led the league in percentage gain at the gate (+19.3%). The Panthers, who made the playoffs this season after a 12-year absence, saw attendance climb 6%. Also seeing significant gains were the Senators and Lightning. The Hurricanes were the only Eastern Conference club to see a dip in attendance. Listed below is team-by-team NHL Eastern Conference attendance for the '12 regular season, with comparisons to the '10-11 campaign. See tomorrow's issue for Western Conference figures (THE DAILY).

NOTES: Attendance figures for the Compuware NHL Premiere series and Bridgestone Winter Classic have been replaced with the team's home capacity. The Jets played in MTS Centre this season, having relocated from Atlanta, after the '10-11 season. NHL figures from last season include data for the Thrashers. All NHL attendance data is based on totals posted immediately following games. Figures do not reflect any subsequent adjustments made by teams or the league.