NBCSN on Saturday night drew a 2.2 overnight rating for the Predators' 5-1 win over the Penguins in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, up 22% from a 1.8 overnight last year for the Sharks' win in overtime over the Penguins. Last year was the first year Game 3 had been moved to a Saturday night. Two years ago, Blackhawks-Lightning Game 3 on a Monday night drew a 2.7 overnight rating, while three years ago, Kings-Rangers Game 3 drew a 2.5 overnight -- also on a Monday. Game 3 on Saturday drew a 22.2 local rating in Pittsburgh, while Nashville drew a 16.6 rating, which is the best figure in that market for any NHL game televised on NBCSN (Austin Karp, Assistant Managing Editor). ESPN’s Michael Wilbon noted people have "clearly taken to" the Predators, while the Penguins "always get ratings.” The N.Y. Daily News’ Frank Isola noted if the Senators or Oilers made the Stanley Cup Final, the ratings “would be a little bit different.” However, the Penguins have “some big stars” (“PTI,” ESPN, 6/2).
MISSED OPPORTUNITY? In N.Y., Phil Mushnick notes the Bridgestone Arena crowd throughout Game 3 "chanted its standard crude putdown of opponents." NBCSN play-by-play man Mike Emrick "didn't ignore one such chant, but said he was unable to fully repeat it." This was a "perfect opening for a man with the earned respect of hockey fans ... to add that Nashville fans should be able to do better." Mushnick: "Emrick can't possibly approve of such conduct, so why indulge it?" TV personalities who have "achieved the highest fame, and security ... have the forums from which to encourage the bold, smug and wrong-headed to at least think about their public conduct." Mushnick: "But ignoring it indulges it" (N.Y. POST, 6/5).
