NHL faces viewership crisis as Panthers vs. Hurricanes opener hits historic low in TV ratings
Eastern Conference Final opener between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes drew a disappointing 1.296 million viewers on TNT (Imagn Images)
The Eastern Conference Final was expected to deliver high-stakes drama on the ice, but the real shock came from the sidelines—specifically, from America's living rooms. Game 1 of the Florida Panthers vs.
Carolina Hurricanes series failed to resonate with audiences, drawing just 1.296 million viewers on
TNT
. It's the lowest-rated Eastern Conference Final opener since 2021 and a significant red flag for the NHL's postseason product.
Game 1 ratings slump underscores deeper concern for NHL's playoff appeal
The disappointing numbers mark a steep 33% drop from the Panthers vs. Rangers opener in 2024, which pulled 1.984 million viewers. It's also 15.9% lower than the 2023 Panthers-Hurricanes matchup, signaling a recurring trend.
Even more concerning, the Western Conference Final opener between the Oilers and Stars in 2024 outpaced this year's Eastern showdown, despite being considered a less marquee event.
Braylon Breeze took to Twitter to highlight the issue: 'A 45% decline in just three years—from 2.363M in 2022's Lightning-Rangers clash to 1.296M in 2025. Something's off.'
Familiar matchups, missing narratives, and poor engagement drive fans away
It's not just about who's playing—it's about how the story is told.
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Familiarity may be breeding viewer fatigue. The Carolina Hurricanes have become a playoff staple, while the Florida Panthers' once-underdog storyline seems to be losing its luster. The lack of fresh matchups and compelling narratives could be causing casual fans to tune out.
Beyond team fatigue, insiders suggest broader issues: uninspiring presentation, inconvenient start times, and the notable absence of star analysts like Wayne Gretzky from TNT's coverage. When even the NHL's biggest games can't hold an audience, it raises a stark question: 'Is the NHL's playoff magic fading?'
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With Game 2 looming, the league has little time to correct course. Better marketing, smarter scheduling, and richer storytelling could be key to reversing this downward trend. If not, the NHL risks losing more than ratings—it risks relevance. The postseason is supposed to be when legends are born. But if fans aren't watching, who will remember them?
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