The ratings increase isn't a big surprise. Remember the last X Stanley Cups have featured a'lot of Sun Belt cities that don't care about hockey, and Canadian cities that don't figure in the US TV ratings. Detroit and Pittsburgh are two strong hockey markets, at least in terms of US cities.

Anyone know if game 1 sold out ? Hard to imagine, but heard before game 1 tickets still available in Hockeytown . I guess Pistons homegame same night did not help. Awesome scheduling.

The reason NHL ratings stink is for a few reasons. 1. the marketing is horrible from TV contracts to commercials promoting the sport. The NHL shows commericials of great hit, goals and breakaways during hockey games in which the hockey fan is watching. Big Deal the fan is already there and they know about the hockey excitement. Try showing these commericals during NBA, NFL and MLB games where other sports fan are watching. Get new fans this way geniuses!! 2. support high schools and youth hockey with money to develop interest with future fans at a young age. When one plays a sport they identify with it and watch it for life thus support it too with dollars and ratings at the gate and on TV. No hockey in Harlem is not the answer LOL. Have local support come from the local NHL teams and funded through the league. 3. Open up the ice a bit more and allow for fast skating. When i say open the ice I dont mean as much as international standards but maybe in between. People like scoring and shooting and greta saves. Yes that means removing some coverted seats in an arena for the good of the game and overall health of it. Lost revenure to be made up in future increased ratings,gate receipts, etc. 4. Play to your strengths!! Ratings shouldnt be low in the North East like Boston where the team has a great history. Play up this history and increase the fan base! what do the Bruins and other teams ever do to increase the fan base????? Nothing as usual!! NYR, Bruins, Philly,etc there is no excuse. How a great sport like hockey is so weak nationally is a disgrace. Its not like the sport stinks LOL. This is a product thet NHL just doesnt know what to do with.

Funny thing about this is that no one in Detroit tuned in to Vs. They all watched on channel 9 in Windsor.

It just goes to show you that when all the Canadian teams are out, Americans tune in. Canadians should come to terms with the fact that the NHL tolerates, not values our teams. We no longer have a real place at the table and therefore should be forging our own hockey destiny, independant of a league who no longer values our input and contributions to the game.