According to Numeris research, total playoff ratings were down 20% in 2015. This is despite the fact five Canadian teams made the playoffs this year, with two advancing to the second round.
Rogers, in the first year of their monster 12-year, $5.2 billion dollar deal, predicted a 20% increase this season. What happened that caused a big decline instead?
Here are a few possibilities. Let me know in the comments why you think NHL playoff viewership is down.
Chicago Fatigue
I don't know about you, but I'm tired of the Chicago Black Hawks winning. Sure, they're a great team, but it's a little like watching a re-run. Personally, I'm bored by it all.
I'm so tired of Chicago winning. Yawn.— Toronto Mike (@torontomike) June 16, 2015
No Leafs
Once again, the NHL playoffs was Leafs-less. Of course, they were Leafs-less last season as well, so it shouldn't have caused a year-over-year decline. Regardless, if the Leafs were in the playoffs, you know ratings would have soared. No team in the country attracts as many eyeballs.
The Jays Were Hot
While the Stanley Cup final was taking place, the Jays were winning 11 in a row, many in exciting fashion. Rogers scored some big numbers for Jays games, and you know it likely cannibalized their hockey numbers.
People Don't Like Rogers's Coverage
I'm not sure about this one, because the game is the game is the game. I sincerely believe most hockey fans just want an HD feed of the game, which Rogers provides. Still, it's possible some of the changes Rogers has made are not sitting well with viewers, causing many to tune out.
There are four possible reasons for the 20% drop. Why do you think ratings are down?
