In Columbus, Doug Buchanan noted the best season in Blue Jackets history "translated into the best television ratings in franchise history." FS Ohio said that the team averaged a 2.09 local rating for the season in Columbus. That was 12% "better than the previous record TV ratings when the Jackets made their first appearance" in the Stanley Cup Playoffs following the '08-09 season (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/11).
ON THE REBOUND: In Buffalo, Alan Pergament noted the Sabres this season averaged a 6.2 local rating for games carried by MSG and NBCSN, which was down about 6% from the 6.6 rating during the '15-16 season. Even with the "slight decline this season, the Sabres games are expected to be the top-rated or the No. 2 rated team" among NHL clubs in the U.S. This comes as the Sabres missed the playoffs and finished with "fewer points than the year before" (BUFFALO NEWS, 4/11).
RETURN TO THE MOUND? In N.Y., Robert Rorke wrote Fox' "Pitch" is one of several TV shows in "danger of getting the cut" as broadcast nets make decisions on renewals in May. The "misbegotten female-driven baseball drama struck out in its initial 10-episode run in the fall on Thursdays," airing against ABC's lineup and "TNF." It was "never given an order for more episodes." However, Fox execs were "high" on the show and "could opt to give it another inning (perhaps in a new time slot)" (N.Y. POST, 4/11).
