Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
Associated Press logo
3 articles
·12d

NHL Playoffs See Social Media Surge Amid Declining TV Ratings for Stanley Cup Final

Despite a 32% increase in social media engagement, TV ratings for the Stanley Cup Final fell, averaging 2.5 million viewers in the U.S.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • Social media engagement for NHL content rose by 32% during the playoffs, highlighting a shift in viewer interaction.
  • The Stanley Cup Final averaged 2.5 million viewers in the U.S., a decline from the previous year's ratings and the 4 Nations final.
  • In Canada, the final attracted 3.8 million viewers on Sportsnet, also reflecting a drop compared to last year's final.
  • Despite lower TV ratings, TNT saw a 15% increase in viewer share from its first Cup final in 2023.
  • Overall, the playoffs averaged 1.8 million viewers, indicating a 6% increase from the previous year, contrasting with the final's ratings decline.

Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.

Pano Newsletter

Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Center-leaning sources frame the Stanley Cup Final ratings decline as a notable trend, emphasizing viewer engagement metrics and comparisons to previous events. They exhibit a cautious tone, highlighting both the drop in ratings and slight increases in social media interactions, suggesting a nuanced perspective on audience interest in hockey.

Engagements on NHL content increased by 32% during the playoffs on social media.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

An average of 3.8 million viewers watched the final in Canada on Sportsnet, with Connor McDavid seeking his first championship.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

TV ratings for the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers declined from their first matchup a year ago.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

An average of 2.5 million viewers watched on TNT, with 2.8 million tuning in for the Panthers' series-clinching Game 6 victory.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

Viewership for TNT's first Cup final in 2023, where Vegas defeated Florida, increased by 15%.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

The average viewership of 1.8 million for the playoffs, including five Canadian teams, has increased by 6% from last year.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

The ratings for the Cup final were significantly lower than the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

Associated Press logo
Chicago Sun-Times logo
2 articles
100%

Articles (3)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Center (3)

"…The overall number on cable is down from 4.17 million last year when the final was on over-the-air TV on ABC and the lowest since Tampa Bay versus Montreal in 2021."

Stanley Cup Final TV ratings drop from last year's numbers
Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times·12d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The overall number on cable is down from 4.17 million last year when the final was on over-the-air TV on ABC and the lowest since Tampa Bay versus Montreal in 2021."

Stanley Cup Final ratings drop from last year's contest
NBC NewsNBC News·12d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

The NHL increased social media engagement through behind-the-scenes content, player collaborations, branded challenges, sponsorships, and live real-time social media activations during games, leveraging platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with fans.

While overall playoffs averaged higher viewership with a 6% increase, the Stanley Cup Final itself saw lower TV ratings possibly due to shifts in viewer behavior favoring digital and social media platforms for engagement, alongside competing entertainment options.

TNT experienced a 15% increase in viewer share during its first Stanley Cup Final broadcast in 2023, indicating growing interest on that network despite overall declines in traditional TV ratings.

As of February 2025, the NHL has around 7.23 million followers on X, with teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins having the most popular accounts, each with over 2 million followers.

The NHL combines TV commercials, in-arena sponsorships, and digital activations, including social media brand promotions and live-streamed events, to engage fans in a cross-channel marketing approach that boosts brand recall and engagement.

History

See how this story has evolved over time.

  • This story does not have any previous versions.