210 million people in the US in 1973.

304 million today.

Tying viewership numbers from 1973 is not making headway, Gary.Ass.

In fact, on a per-capita basis, you’re not even close.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/15/09 at 05:36 PM ET

Red Winger,

I think you’re also leaving out a very important part of the equation.  How many cable channels did households have in 1973?  By my recollection, it might be in the range of “0”.  So 210 Million people in 1975, divided by 5 (and I’m being QUITE generous there) channels per household, vs. 304 million people divided into 100+ channels?  Seems like this years number is actually more impressive than those 38 years ago.

I think we can all agree that an NBC hockey broadcast is shit, but let’s give the league its due where it earned it.  I mean, really, 8 million people willingly listened to Pierre McGuire for 3 hours… that’s gotta mean something.

Posted by Entitynein on 06/15/09 at 05:45 PM ET

I mean, really, 8 million people willingly listened to Pierre McGuire for 3 hours… that’s gotta mean something.

It means I missed my chance to buy stock in earplug manufacturers, for one thing. 

That is pretty impressive, actually - considering just the year-to-year numbers.  Clearly people will watch a compelling matchup (the problem is that not all are that compelling).

Too bad there wasn’t a total number that included the CBC audience and anyone viewing it streaming over the internet, as well.  That would be interesting to see.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/15/09 at 05:54 PM ET

In Canada- Friday night’s Game 7 drew an average of 3.529 million viewers, attracting the largest audience of the best-of-seven series, CBC announced on Monday.

Still, CBC’s telecast of the entire series was down from last season’s matchup when the Wings finished off Pittsburgh in six games.

CBC averaged 2.154 million viewers for the seven-game rematch, down seven per cent from last season.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 06/15/09 at 06:36 PM ET

Red Winger, You get good news (ratings up) and use it as a CHEAP shot at Bettman. Get over it ,the Red Wings lost, be happy for the NHL.Besides good ratings mean more Crosby/Penguin fans.

Posted by Lindas1st on 06/15/09 at 07:00 PM ET

Red Winger, You get good news (ratings up) and use it as a CHEAP shot at Bettman.

Seriously.  Like there aren’t enough real reasons to beat up on Bettman. (*cough*Balsillie*cough*) This is great for the game, but of course some people want to use this to kill the guy.  I’m sure this is somehow more evidence of a “conspiracy” that “exists” about something or other. 

There’s a sale on tin foil.  Go stock up.

Posted by 85 on 06/15/09 at 08:07 PM ET

I am impressed. Great news! Keep it going NHL! Doing a lot of things right!! woot!
I agree with the earlier poster.. Why rip Bettman? seriously… Not really sure why people have it out for him anymore. Ive only seen yearly improvement since the lockout..

Check here for a better picture of the ratings:
http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/06/13/friday-ratings-stanley-cup-finals-game-7-lifts-nbc-to-victory/20586

Thats 37% (7.51M out of 20.51M) of viewers in the top 5 broadcast networks turning into the game.
Definitely a great win for the NHL!

And .. I watched parts of that NBA game the other day.. horribly boring.. I tried, I really did!

Posted by Mike on 06/15/09 at 08:23 PM ET

It is good news.

Glad Gary got his wish for a game 7 on a Friday on national TV.  That’s good for the sport.

Too bad it took poor officiating to make it happen.

Posted by Hippy Dave from San Francisco by way of Detroit on 06/15/09 at 09:21 PM ET

Paul, tell us, was that Chicago-Montreal game a good one?

I kid because I love, sir!

Posted by Steve from New Jersey on 06/15/09 at 09:25 PM ET

Holy shite, people, relax. My swipe at Gary was in jest, seeing as that is how 75% of the posts ended around here this year.

Relax, people. Breathe in, breathe out.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/16/09 at 08:36 AM ET

so!  does that mean the salary cap goes up for next year?

hope so...it’ll be great for the Wings.

Posted by Jeebus on 06/16/09 at 11:58 PM ET