Canada’s participation the Stanley Cup Final attracted plenty of interest as Game 1 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers on Saturday saw a 43 percent increase in ratings across North America over last season.
According to the NHL, the championship series opener drew an audience of 7.1 million viewers across the United States and Canada combined.
It is just the second time a team from Canada has participated in the Stanley Cup Final since 2012, with the Montreal Canadiens playing for the title in 2021.
The Panthers’ 3-0 victory over the Oilers was also the most watched Game 1 of a Stanley Cup Final since 2019 when the St. Louis Blues faced the Boston Bruins.
Game 2 of the series is set for Monday night at Sunrise, Fla.
–Field Level Media