Earlier today, I sent an e-mail to NESN asking if the ratings for Game 7 of B’s-Habs was a record or close to it. Well, we now know it’s not just broken the previous ratings record of 14.1 set in 2009 for Game 7 of the Bruins-Hurricanes series, but it pretty much smashed it. The final rating for Game 7 of Bruins-Canadiens ended at 17.7, peaking at a whopping 26.6 in the final quarter-hour in which Nathan Horton scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
NESN says the entire 7 game series averaged an 11.9 rating which is also the highest-rated in its history. Here’s the press release.
NESN’S GAME 7 COVERAGE SETS NEW RECORD WITH A 17.7 RATING
Caps off Highest Rated Playoff Series in Network History
BOSTON, MA – NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, set a new single-game ratings record for Bruins hockey last night with a 17.7 average household rating in the Boston DMA. The game peaked at a 26.6 rating during the 10:00 PM quarter hour as Nathan Horton scored the game winner in overtime to propel the Bruins into the Eastern Conference Semifinals. NESN’s previous best-ever single-game hockey rating was a 14.1, set two years ago on May 14, 2009 in a Game 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
NESN’s ratings numbers in most of the key demographic categories also set new network records, including a 21.5 in Men 25-54, 18.3 in Men 18-49, and 15.6 in Adults 25-54.
Best Playoff Series in NESN History
NESN’s coverage of the Bruins-Montreal first round playoff series dominated the Boston television market over the past 2 weeks. NESN’s 7 telecasts averaged an 11.9 household rating, which made it the highest-rated Bruins playoff series in network history. NESN’s Bruins coverage was the top-rated program in the Boston DMA on 4 of the 7 nights. The previous ratings record for a series was set in 2009, when NESN garnered a 9.9 average household rating for the Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Carolina Hurricanes.Playoff Pre and Post-Game Shows Also Enjoy Ratings Success
NESN’s ratings success extended beyond the games with impressive pre and post-game ratings throughout the series. Bruins FaceOff LIVE expanded to 60 minutes for the first round of the playoffs and averaged a 2.1 household rating during the series, including a 2.7 before last night’s deciding game. NESN’s post-game show, Bruins Overtime LIVE, averaged a 4.1 household rating that was highlighted by an 8.4 after the Bruins’ exciting Game 7 victory.“The Bruins have captured the imagination of the region and are playing with an incredible amount of heart, which translates into great television,” said Sean McGrail, NESN President and CEO. “Even though the number of games we will televise in round 2 will decrease due to national network selections, we will continue to provide enhanced and expanded coverage around every Bruins playoff game.”
NESN is scheduled to deliver exclusive regional coverage of Game 4 along with Games 6 and 7 if necessary. Details on NESN’s coverage plans for the entire series will be announced tomorrow.
Amazing numbers for NESN and it continues the trend of record setting local ratings for the NHL.
