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VERSUS Coverage Up Double Digits On Opening Night Of NHL Playoffs

by Steve Lepore

It was a good night for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with some entertaining games and fantastic finishes. TV ratings appear to confirm that people were hooked, at least for night one of the two month tournament.

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Opening night of the Stanley Cup Playoffs averaged 534,000 for coverage of three different games (PHX/DET, NYR/WSH, CHI/VAN) from 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. last night. This was up 12% from doubleheader coverage (OTT/PIT, DET/PHX) last year. Make note that the game aired exclusively in Phoenix, which was not the case last year.

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That said, it appears the NHL is starting off on the right track once again when it comes to getting eyeballs tuned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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