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Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final drew over 16.3 million viewers, making it the second-most watched NHL game in history, according to NHL Public Relations. The number of viewers was measured across North America, including the various broadcasting platforms such as CBC, SN, and ESPN+, among others.
With the excitement level at an all-time high, fans started pouring in their reactions to the second-most watched Stanley Cup Final game.
“Hockey is back, man. Had 2x the viewers of the NBA finals. LOL. The aura and entertainment value of the NHL CLEARS the NBA, and it’s not close,” this fan opined.
“Canadian team in the finals. What do you expect? Good Canadian teams equals good value for the NHL,” one fan weighed in.
“NHL realizing that Superstars and offense sells the sport. Let’s gooo!” this fan Tweeted.
Meanwhile, some fans decided to poke fun at the positive news from the NHL. These fans provided some interesting comments to go with the largely supportive ones.
“Be back down next year cause the finals will be on TNT,” a fan commented.
“Key words here is North America….how many were actually in the U.S.?” a fan opined.
“Probably 16 million Canadians and 300K Americans. Lol,” a fan expressed.
When the dust settled, the Florida Panthers won one of the most exciting Game 7s in Stanley Cup Final history. 16 million fans witnessed the Cats capture their first Cup in team history.
Connor McDavid is proud despite Stanley Cup Final defeat
Conn Smythe Trophy winner Connor McDavid spoke to the media following the Oilers’ Game 7 loss. While a bitter Stanley Cup Final defeat, McDavid had this to say, as quoted by the CBC:
“Proud of the way we fought all year,” McDavid added. “Behind the 8-ball almost immediately. We fought an uphill climb for months and months and months,” he added.
The Oilers captain put up a whopping 42 points during the postseason, earning him MVP honors. However, he bluntly underscored his feelings about the Game 7 loss:
“Just… sucks.”
Although McDavid felt disappointed, he highlighted his club’s outstanding performance:
“Just the resilience of the group. We went through a lot. Came that close,” he added.
While certainly disheartening, the end to the Oilers’ season was great. After being at the bottom of the league standings at the start of the season, the Oilers roared back to earn a playoff spot and go on a magical run that culminated in a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Forward Leon Draisaitl summed up Edmonton’s season by stating, per the CBC:
“We stuck with it all year and battled all the way to the end.”
The end did not come as expected. But the hope is that the Oilers will be back in the Final next season.
