[Alberta's Child]

I may be wrong about this, but I seem to remember reading somewhere in the last few years that the Stanley Cup playoffs can generate larger TV audiences than the NBA playoffs when you include both Canada and the U.S. in the comparison.

Hockey may never be popular as a "mainstream" sport, but that's fine. It's a "cult" sport that happens to be the best sport out there!

[Dr. Sivana]

I may be wrong about this, but I seem to remember reading somewhere in the last few years that the Stanley Cup playoffs can generate larger TV audiences than the NBA playoffs when you include both Canada and the U.S. in the comparison.

Well, of course most of Canada tunes in, especially in those years when Edmonton, Calgary or Montreal is a real contender. There were a number of seasons when the NHL STUPIDLY sold the U.S. national cable rights to the Home and Garden Outdoor network or some such, because it outbid ESPN2 in dollars. Way to grow that base and keep your fans tuned in!

When the Bruins, Blackhawks, Rangers or Islanders are in the mix, then you can throw in healthy viewing from a major U.S. market.

Many of the best basketball playoff games are played VERY late (Lakers home games) and that has to affect viewership.