On its way to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Chicago Blackhawks professional men’s hockey team delivered big ratings for Chicago’s NBC owned station Saturday night.
WMAQ confirmed it got a 26.6 household rating from the game. According to YardBarker, that’s the third highest overall in the Chicago market. The Blackhawks win over the Anaheim Ducks also brought in a 3.27 rating for NBC’s major markets.
Further South, hockey fans weren’t so fortunate. In Joplin, Mo., viewers were treated to Branson County USA instead of the game on NBC affiliate KSNF. The station ran crawl over the country music show telling viewers they could watch the hockey match on NBC Sports Network. The station then aired boxing after the music.
In Lubbock, Texas, viewers of KCBD were treated to the Children’s Miracle Network telethon.
A viewer chided the station about not showing the game on its facebook page. “You have removed my post about your poor decision on programming in regards to not showing the NHL hockey. Do you only listen to positive feedback? I now see you will interrupt the telethon for tennis! Very disappointed and upset viewer! I wish you would have at least addressed my concerns”