The Chicago Blackhawks have been atop with Western Conference much of the season but viewing is down in Chicago, according to Crain's. Only about 109, 000 local households are tuning into the Blackhawks these days and it could mark a decrease for the second consecutive season.
One of the hurdles the Blackhawks faced early in the season was the Cubs World Series run. Three of their games went head to head with either an NLCS or World Series game. That included their lowest rated game on November 1 against the Calgary Flames (1.31).
I don't think it is unreasonable to believe that the recent election also played a role in the the ratings decline. The election included two of the most polarizing candidates in history that kept people glued to the news.
Almost expectedly, the highest rated games of the season have all come from mid-December to early January. All the previous distractions and the Bears had wound down. Add the weather, and it's the perfect time of year to watch Blackhawks hockey.
1. Dec. 23 vs. Colorado: 4.52
2. Jan. 6 vs. Carolina: 4.48
3. Dec. 20 vs. Ottawa: 4.44
4. Jan. 5 vs. Buffalo: 4.32
5. Dec. 29 vs. Nashville: 3.79
All that being said, I think the Blackhawks were due for some declines from their peak in 2013. They were at their height of popularity and even the viewing of their nationally televised outdoor games has fallen.
There are still die hard fans out there watching but for a lot of people the Blackhawks were a new relationship. It was sexy and fun at first, then you got married, and the honeymoon is over.
