JACKSONVILLE, Fla – OK, it isn’t New York vs. Los Angeles. It’s New Jersey vs. Los Angeles. But, for the NHL, it is probably the next best thing when it comes to attention.
Photo by Jack Lima
If you look at ratings in general, the idea of a team located in the largest two media markets in the United States might be considered a good thing. Yes, I know the Devils play in Newark but it is in the metro New York City area. It also helps the NHL that, in the case of Los Angeles, both the NBA Lakers and Clippers are out of the playoffs. Therefore, the Kings will get the full media attention in the city. However, when it comes to ratings, might not work out the best for the NHL.
Let’s face it. When it comes to hockey ratings, having the Los Angeles Kings in the finals might not be the best result. There are teams in the Western Conference that would give NBC higher overall ratings. The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Black Hawks would both give NBC higher ratings nationally than the Kings. Go to most minor league games and you will likely see at least one Black Hawk or Red Wing jersey. Think you will see a Kings jersey? No, you will not. The Kings haven’t been a ratings juggernaut since Gretzky left there for St. Louis.
Photo by Jack Lima
Please don’t think of this as a knock against the Kings. It’s not. It’s just a realistic look at the landscape. Dodgers vs. Yankees means ratings. Knicks vs. Lakers means ratings. Kings vs. Devils, not so much. However, a realistic look at things probably will show that a NBA Championship between (say) Miami and San Antonio will draw better.
Ratings have broken the way of the NHL and NBC and they have reached six games at least with the Devils forcing the Kings to sweat for their fourth win in the series.
Thus far the Stanley Cup Final has been entertaining and fans seem to be tuning into the NBC broadcast. This is what the sport needs, two metro areas fighting for the Cup and the fans throughout North American and the world viewing.
Contact Kenneth.Holdren@prohockeynews.com
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