NHL says '26 playoffs most-watched on record (opens original article in a new tab)

NHL's 2026 playoffs became the most-watched in U.S. history with 1.8 million average viewers, surpassing the 1996 record and showing 68% growth from last year.

• NHL's 2026 playoffs set new U.S. viewership record with 1.8 million average viewers
• Previous record was 1.56 million in 1996, 68% increase from 2025
• Hockey's popularity growth linked to events like 4 Nations Face-Off and Olympic coverage