Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final averages 4.8 million viewers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 1:15 AM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final featured the Vegas Golden Knights against the Carolina Hurricanes and averaged 4.8 million viewers on ABC, the largest audience for a Game 1 since 2019. The viewership peaked at 5.5 million during the third period. This match shows a significant increase of 98% compared to last year's Game 1 and a 54% rise over the 2024 matchup. The NHL has seen overall strong viewership trends across the playoffs, with notable increases in both the Conference Finals and first-round matches. As the series progresses, viewership levels indicate a potential record-setting Stanley Cup Final for the NHL.
- •Game 1 features Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes.
- •Match attracted 4.8 million average viewers on ABC.
- •Viewership peaked at 5.5 million during the third period.
- •Previous year's Game 1 viewership was 2.4 million.
- •NHL playoff viewership has shown significant gains this season.
- 1:15 AMYahoo Sports — Stanley Cup Final Game 1 draws biggest audience since 2019
"The NHL’s strong television run continued with Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final drawing its largest audience in seven years. Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes averaged 4.8 million viewers on ABC, the largest audience for a Stanley Cup Final Game 1 since…
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