Games across NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and NBC Sports digital outlets are up from last year's recordGETTY IMAGES
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are averaging a total audience delivery (TV+streaming) of 1.07 million viewers through the second round, marking the most-watched NHL postseason on record through that point (figures date back to ’94). Games across NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and NBC Sports digital outlets are up 1% from the record set last year. The second round across NBC, NBCSN and digital outlets averaged 1.62 million viewers -- also a new record. The increase has come despite the Rangers, Blackhawks, Kings, Flyers and Red Wings not making the postseason, and without the Penguins, Capitals, Predators, Golden Knights and Lightning in the second round. For all games to date, the Buffalo market leads NBC Sports coverage with a 2.7 local rating -- despite the Sabres missing the playoffs for the eighth straight season (Austin Karp, THE DAILY).
WINNING ON AND OFF THE ICE: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar notes the Blues "trounced" the Stars in terms of viewership for the double OT Game 7, and the series as a whole. St. Louis drew a 16.0 rating for Game 7, while the rating in Dallas was a 5.2. For the series, the St. Louis market averaged a 12.0 rating, while Dallas averaged a 3.8. Viewership in St. Louis for Game 7 peaked during the first overtime with a 21.3 from 10:15-10:30pm CT. There were an "estimated 377,000 viewers" in St. Louis at the peak. The series rating in St. Louis, 12.0, was "better than the number generated in the market the last time the Blues were in the second round." That figure, for a matchup with the Predators in '17, was a 9.2 (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 5/10).
HOCKEY TOWN, U.S.A: In Pittsburgh, Jonathan Bombulie noted despite a "quick exit" for the Penguins, Pittsburgh "remains one of the top markets in the country when it comes to TV ratings for the Stanley Cup playoffs." Through two rounds, Pittsburgh "ranks as the seventh-best market with a 1.65 rating." That is a "big drop from last season, when Pittsburgh ranked first in the country with a 4.21 rating through three rounds" (TRIBLIVE.com, 5/9).
HE'S BEEN EVERYWHERE, MAN: The POST-DISPATCH's Caesar noted NBC's Pierre McGuire will have "just completed a stretch of broadcasting games on 26 of 30 days" when he reports from ice-level during the Blues-Sharks Western Conference Finals beginning Saturday. McGuire "logged an estimated 25,471 air miles during the marathon in which he had one stretch of working 15 consecutive days, in which he never had consecutive games in the same city," but is now "focusing on the Blues-Sharks series." McGuire was in San Jose for Game 7 of the Sharks-Avalanche series Wednesday, and can "stay there until Tuesday" before the series heads to St. Louis (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 5/10).
MAKE-UP CALL: In N.Y., Phil Mushnick notes during Game 6 of Bruins-Blue Jackets, Bruins D Charlie McAvoy was "penalized for a brutal hit" to Blue Jackets RW Josh Anderson's head. After the game, NBC's Mike Emrick said viewers should watch the two players as they came together in the traditional handshake line. Viewers then saw the two "shake hands, then stop for a chat," and Anderson "smiled and patted McAvoy on the chest." In an "almost reverential whisper," Emrick said, "I sure love this sport. I hope you do, too" (N.Y. POST, 5/10).
