NHL breaks TV viewership records in first round of playoffs

The first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs had the highest ratings in cable television history.

The NHL has revealed that the opening round's games averaged 768,000 viewers - an increase of 58% from last season! Stats also show that the amount of women watching NHL playoff games also enjoyed a substantial increase, going up 83% compared to 2021.

A grand total of 28 million across North America tuned in for all five of the first round's Game 7s, including two that needed overtime.

The series-deciding Game 7 between the Rangers and Penguins on May 15 had 2.3 million average viewers, making it the most-watched first round game ever on cable.


Game 7 between the Lightning and Maple Leafs on May 14 averaged 1.7 million viewers, the second most-watched first round game ever on cable.

Game 7 between the Bruins and Hurricanes on May 14 averaged 1.6 million viewers, the fourth most-watched first round game on cable.

As for Game 7 between the Kings and Oilers on May 14, it averaged 1.1 million viewers and peaked at 1.2 million.

On May 15, Game 7 between the Flames and Stars averaged 1.01 million viewers and peaked at 1.2 million.

This year marks the first of a seven-year U.S. media rights agreement between the NHL and Turner Sports, which will televise the Stanley Cup Final in 2023, 2025 and 2027.

As for this season's Stanley Cup Final, it will air on ABC, and will do so again in 2024, 2026 and 2028 as part of another seven-year U.S. streaming and media rights deal that brought the NHL back to ESPN.