TV ratings and ticket sales have both increased thanks in part to the Coyotes' run toward the playoffsGETTY IMAGES
The Hurricanes and Coyotes are currently in position to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since '09 and '12, respectively, and given the length of their postseason absences, it is "hard to believe too many teams would receive more benefit from a playoff appearance," according to Kevin Allen of USA TODAY. The last time both franchises were in the playoffs at the same time was '02. Coyotes President of Hockey Operations & GM John Chayka said, "I even look at from what it would mean for growing the sport in Arizona." He noted Maple Leafs C Auston Matthews grew up in Arizona before becoming a No. 1 pick and said there has "been a huge explosion in youth hockey because of that." Allen noted both Arizona and Carolina are markets where attracting new fans is "still a primary mission." Hurricanes President & GM Don Waddell said, "There is a lot more interest now, a lot more people buying tickets." This season, Hurricanes attendance is up 12% and suite sales are up 15%. Coyotes President & CEO Ahron Cohen said, "We are seeing a lot of positive metrics throughout the organization. Our TV ratings are up, our corporate sales are up, our ticket sales are up, our merchandise, our food and beverage, across the gambit." Allen noted both teams are also "drawing more national attention than they have received in recent years" (USATODAY.com, 3/16).
RAISING ARIZONA: In Phoenix, Richard Morin writes Coyotes fans have "something to cheer about these days," as there is "legitimate playoff buzz at Gila River Arena." Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet said, "You especially want the fans to believe in what we’re doing. We asked them last year through some tough times to stick with us. I think the fans are coming out and getting louder." Morin notes on Saturday against the Oilers, the Coyotes drew a "respectable weekend crowd of 15,016," almost a 9% increase from their season-to-date average of 13,764 per game (AZCENTRAL.com, 3/19).
AS SEEN ON TV: THE ATHLETIC's Sara Civian took a look inside a Hurricanes broadcast on FS Carolinas and noted the "quick-witted banter" between play-by-play man John Forslund, analyst Tripp Tracy and rinkside reporter Mike Maniscalco has become a "staple of the Hurricanes hockey experience." The team's broadcasts feel a little like a "Canes world inside joke, or maybe a reward for putting up with the past decade of Hurricanes hockey." The men and women "behind the magic try not to interfere" (THEATHLETIC.com, 3/18).
