The 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights has drawn strong television ratings, with the first five games averaging 5.1 million viewers—the highest five-game average since 2013. Game 5 alone brought in 5.8 million viewers on average, peaking at 6.9 million during the 9:30 p.m. quarter-hour, making it the most-watched Game 5 since 2018. This surge highlights growing national interest in the NHL, especially notable because neither team is a traditional hockey powerhouse or part of the Original Six.

The last time a full Stanley Cup Final averaged over 5 million viewers was in 2019, during the seven-game series between the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins, which averaged 5.3 million. The current viewership momentum suggests the NHL’s expanding footprint is resonating with broader audiences, even without legacy teams in the final. However, analysts caution that next year’s broadcast setup could impact future ratings.

Starting in 2027, the Stanley Cup Final will be exclusive to TNT Sports, which has historically drawn lower viewership than over-the-air networks. The absence of a simulcast on a broadcast network like CBS may limit audience access, potentially reversing the current upward trend unless the league and network adjust their distribution strategy.