NHL Boasts Key Gains Following Regular Season, Despite Economy

The Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Quarter-Finals have concluded, and the National Hockey League reports that virtually all key business metrics have continued their strong momentum from the regular season, in spite of challenging economic conditions. During the regular season, the NHL achieved its fourth-consecutive season of record attendance, and that momentum continued. During the Conference Quarter-Finals, playoff teams played to more than 100 percent of arena capacity and averaged 18,739 fans. Television ratings continued their momentum from the regular season and increased sharply. Viewership on NBC surged 17 percent and the network had the most-watched NHL first-round broadcast in eight years. Also, viewership rose 23 percent on VERSUS and 42 percent on TSN – helping each network to their most successful Conference Quarter-Final results ever. Local rightsholders in New York, Detroit, San Jose, Boston, Columbus and elsewhere also reported continued increases in television...