NHL scores big with 2009 Playoffs

June 26, 5:58 PMSports Business ExaminerJosh Lobdell

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There are a lot of indicators that seem to be suggesting that the NHL is finally starting to come out of its slump set off by the lockout of 2005. Either that or the intriguing NHL playoff match ups got the people out of their houses and to the hockey arena for them.

It also seems that the rematch of the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins was a story line that engaged both hard core NHL fans and your casual American hockey fans as well.

A look at the encouraging numbers:

• 8 Million People tuned in to Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals. That is the most viewers for a final round game since 1983 Montreal versus Chicago
• The NHL sold out 83 of the 87 2009 playoff games
• The league drew 1.6 Million fans during the playoffs, the 3rd highest in league history
• Total attendance for the entire season was up 3.3%, most of which was due to the incredible turn around of the Chicago Blackhawks
• For all 65 playoff TV broadcasts on NBC and Versus total viewership was up 17%

These indicators seem to suggest that the NHL is on the right track, and that the TV audience is there if they can offer match ups that they want to watch.

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