Through the first two rounds of the 2024 Stanley Playoffs, the most fans have ever tuned in, and this high level of interest can be attributable to one important aspect.
The idea is that playoff hockey viewership will soar, but in the past two years, that hasn't been the case. Playoff hockey is a very other beast. The sole distinction between this year and previous ones is that Canadian clubs are now participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs well into the season, which is why things altered during the first two rounds of this year.
The 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs are the most viewed in history after two rounds, according to Hockey News. The networks that air the games have seen a 12% increase in viewership since the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. When the majority is in the US, then it functions. The only variations are the four Canadian clubs that began play in the first round and the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers' all-Canadian meeting in the second round.
For whatever reason, we've seen some great hockey, and it appears that interest in the NHL has increased dramatically, which is fantastic to see given the direction the league was on.
It remains to be seen if it goes on, but if the first two rounds are any guide, the NHL should have no trouble drawing viewers throughout both the Stanley Cup final and the conference final.
