Stanley Cup ratings up 43% across North America

Canada’s participation in the Stanley Cup Final attracted plenty of interest as Game 1 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers on Saturday drew a 43% increase in ratings across North America over last season.

According to the NHL, the championship series opener had an audience of 7.1 million viewers across the United States and Canada combined.

It is just the second time a team from Canada has participated in the Cup Final since 2012, with the Montreal Canadiens playing for the title in 2021.

The Panthers, seeking their first Stanley Cup after losing in the Final last season to the Vegas Golden Knights, authored a 3-0 victory over the Oilers. It was also the most watched Game 1 of a Stanley Cup Final since 2019, when the St. Louis Blues faced the Boston Bruins.

Game 2 is Monday night at Sunrise, Florida, and will be televised in the U.S. on ABC and ESPN+.

Information from Field Level Media was used in this report.