The process has slowed, and the Sabres' inability to make considerable strides this year has been reflected slightly in interest in the club, but Buffalo remains the most engaged local NHL market south of the border.
Buffalo continues to boast the top local television ratings in the Sports Business Journal's RSN report after taking the crown from Pittsburgh last year.
| Market | Avg. Rating (Change) |
|---|---|
| Sabres | 6.43 (-5%) |
| Penguins | 5.56 (2%) |
| Blues | 4.26 (22%) |
| Wild | 3.91 (23%) |
| Blackhawks | 3.12 (-20%) |
The resurgent Columbus Blue Jackets have seen the greatest viewership spike on FS Ohio, up 110 percent.
Columbus is followed by the New Jersey Devils, who are 58 percent but are still in the bottom tier.
| Market | Avg. Rating (Change) |
|---|---|
| Devils | 0.41 (58%) |
| Stars | 0.41 (-33%) |
| Coyotes | 0.40 (-2%) |
| Islanders | 0.29 (-31%) |
| Panthers | 0.27 (35%) |
| Ducks | 0.21 (-46%) |
Falling 57 percent, the last-place Avalanche have experienced the greatest drop, followed by the Ducks, Stars, Islanders, and Red Wings.
Note: SBJ doesn't have data on the Hurricanes, Predators, or seven Canadian markets.
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