The NHL Draft and significant trades are grabbing headlines, but recent Stanley Cup Playoffs TV ratings are worth celebrating. Sports Media Watch reports that the playoffs on ABC, ESPN, and TNT Sports averaged 1.8 million viewers. This represents a 68% increase from the previous year and is the highest since 1996 when they reached 1.56 million.
Several factors contributed to this surge in viewership. Notably, the 2026 Winter Olympics saw both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams secure gold medals. The men’s victory was their first Olympic gold since 1980, marking a major milestone. These achievements captivated audiences in the U.S. and boosted interest in the sport.
The Olympics followed the successful 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in 2025, which also drew attention. It appears that the NHL is benefiting from an increased focus on international hockey, especially within the U.S.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights was among the top five most-watched finals. Despite initial concerns about the draw of teams from North Carolina and Las Vegas, the series included some of the most exciting games in the history of the finals.
Looking ahead, the NHL aims to maintain this momentum. The 2027 All-Star Game on Long Island is already planned, indicating the league’s continued emphasis on international and American interest in the game.
Matthew Reigle writes for OutKick.