The current NHL season was supposed to be the biggest blockbuster of the year. However, the numbers are showing a different story. Popular sports writer, Mark J. Burns recently tweeted some figures regarding the viewership. He quoted a report from Austin Karp and revealed that the viewership of the current NHL season went down drastically.
NHL U.S. TV national viewership is down 22% this season, per findings from @AustinKarp.
NHL regular games to date have averaged 373,000 viewers on ESPN/TNT, 2nd season of the league's 7-year pact with Disney & Turner.
NHL averaged 478,000 viewers at this point last season.
— Mark J. Burns (@markjburns88) February 1, 2023
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The sportswriter informed that the viewership of the second season of regular matches reached 373,000. These numbers are shockingly less as compared to last season’s mark of 478,000 viewers. With a downfall of around 20% in one season, the report has some serious questions.
Former NHL player highlighted the concern areas
The report has given voices to people who were unhappy with the way this season unfolded. There were many issues with mixing up teams and playoff schedules. The tweet is grabbing the attention of the entire community. Along with fans, the veteran hockey players have also made strong statements after the report.
Famous defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo highlighted many aspects for the NHL organizers. He made a strong statement and wrote, “I hope this is a wake-up call for change in the NHL.” The former maple leafs player also said that fans are losing interest and exemplified his statement. The champion player blamed factors like a lack of rivalries and storylines for the recent disinterest.
The veteran player raised his concern, saying that the administration is focusing more on just negotiations and talking, rather than focusing on implementation. He also felt that the playoff format has been a disaster this year. “Oh & another big issue for the league is the start time,” he further added.
Fans came in support of the veteran star player
The community seemed to have coincided with Carlo’s thoughts. Many fans supported his ideas and put forward their views on the rising problem. Fans felt that the recent controversies around the pride night celebration have also led to increasing disinterest of viewers. “Pandering to the LGBTQ and weak penalties called by refs.”, one fan wrote.
I hope this is a wake up call for change in the NHL. Fans are losing interest.
-No rivalries
-lacking storylines
-more buzz around talk of trades then actual trades
-poor marketing of stars
-too many math equations
-horrible playoff format
Just to name a few things https://t.co/BWWi75FWZ3— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) February 1, 2023
Some fans felt that the credibility of the sport was hampered due to controversial decisions by referees. A fan wrote, “Not to mention the inconsistent but consistently awful refereeing.”
it’s always been the math for me. Game needs more math really
— Brendan Dunlop (@Brendan_Dunlop) February 2, 2023
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What’s wrong with the playoffs?
— Nathan Santo Domingo (@NSDwx) February 1, 2023
However, many fans agreed with Carlo that the playoff situation was a big blunder. “The playoff format is the biggest mess up. Give us damn 1-8 seeds. It’s unfair to teams too.”
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Seeing the disastrous results, many fans went to extreme limits and demanded a new commissioner. “Time for a more progressive Commissioner,” a fan demanded. It would be crucial to see whether the organizing team will bring some changes to improve these numbers or not.
