Photo credit: Sportsnet

There is cause for concern for the health of the NHL as the ratings for the Stanley Cup Finals this year have been relatively disappointing.

One likely would have expected the ratings to be up big this year, especially in Canada as the Edmonton Oilers are the first Canadian team in the final in over a decade. However, that is not the case. Many are now worried that Hockey is becoming less culturally relevant among Canadian children as other sports, namely soccer and basketball, gain popularity with kids.

“The divide between what hockey was (a prismatic expression of Canadianness) and what it is (a flagging business struggling to engage its customer base) is most obvious during a Stanley Cup final.”

Ratings started off strong this year, with a number of round-one games pulling great audiences. Overall, ratings are up around 10% on average year-over-year.

Canada loves playoff hockey! 🇨🇦 🏒

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That may sound like a great thing, but last year’s playoffs had relatively bad ratings. In fact, the 2023 finals was the worst-viewed since 2007. As such, a 10% increase over last year’s audience does not necessarily reflect a healthy and growing fanbase.

The NHL Stanley Cup Finals national broadcast ratings are down 43% from last year. It was the least viewed Stanley Cup Finals since 2007.

Of course, it also does not help when the finals are so one-sided. It is harder to draw larger audiences when the fate of the series already seems to be determined. With the Oilers down 3-0, many fans may not feel like watching game four as they already know Florida has an excellent chance of winning. Even if they lose the game, they will likely win the series in game five. Unfortunately, there is nothing the NHL can do to make the series less one-sided. Be sure to tune in tonight, nit just for the ratings, but to potentially see the Stanley Cup awarded.