NHL Stanley Cup playoffs draw record postseason ratings this season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 12:49 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The NHL reported its highest-ever postseason ratings this season, with an average of 1.8 million viewers per playoff game. This surpasses the previous record of 1.56 million set in 1996. ESPN attained 2.2 million viewers over 43 playoff games, while TNT averaged 1.4 million, marking its best playoff viewership. The Stanley Cup Final featured the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights, attracting an average of 5.2 million viewers, the highest since 2019. Following the conclusion of the series, Golden Knights coach John Tortorella will not return next season.
- •NHL playoffs averaged 1.8 million viewers, a new record.
- •ESPN's viewership rose 127 percent compared to last season.
- •Stanley Cup Final averaged 5.2 million viewers.
- •Carolina Hurricanes faced Vegas Golden Knights in the Final.
- •John Tortorella will not return as head coach of the Golden Knights.
- 12:49 PMYahoo Sports — Stanley Cup playoffs: NHL draws highest-ever postseason ratings, best Final since 2019
"Hockey fans showed up in a big way to watch the playoffs this season.
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