NHL's Winter Classic Scores Big for NBC

By Jon Lafayette

The National Hockey League’s second Winter Classic outdoor regular-season game on NBC posted a 12% ratings increase from last year and was the highest-rated regular-season hockey game in almost 13 years.

The Classic, which saw the Detroit Red Wings defeat the Chicago Black Hawks in historic Wrigley Field, drew a 2.9 overnight rating and a 6 share on New Year’s Day.

"Year one was an extraordinary experience. Year two was the establishment of what promises to be a great tradition," said NBC Sports President Ken Schanzer.

In Chicago, the game drew an 11.8 rating and 21 share, while in Detroit it had a 10.5 rating and 20 share. In Buffalo, N.Y., where the first outdoor game was held, Thursday’s game attracted a 10.1 rating and 20 share.

The NHL has not yet decided the future of the Winter Classic.