NHL says the 2026 playoffs is the most-watched on record, averaging 1.8 million viewers

The NHL announced on Tuesday that the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs averaged 1.8 million U.S. viewers, making it the most-watched playoffs on record, surpassing the previous record of 1.56 million set in 1996 and representing a 68% increase over last year. Carolina defeated Vegas in six games in the Cup Final, which ESPN noted was the most-watched since 2019. The ratings surge is attributed partly to Nielsen's updated counting methods as well as growing hockey popularity, particularly among women, fueled by the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Olympics, and hockey-focused streaming content.