[Alberta's Child]

But the worst of all was Hockey’s Stanley Cup. The NHL’s big game lost a whopping sixty percent over the 2019 championship series.

I have an interesting take on this. Of all the major sports, the NHL had the most low-key idiocy related to BLM in 2020 ... but they also have a fan base that would more repulsed than any others. I didn’t watch a single Stanley Cup playoff game in 2020 ... for the first time in 32 years.

I also think a live fan experience is more integral to hockey than other sports. I can see why TV audiences would be small for games without fans in attendance.

[crusty old prospector]

Two southern teams didn’t help. NHL wants a Canadian team versus someone like Detroit.

[untenured]

That’s a fascinating way of looking at it. Ratings are down across the board. Certainly all the kneeling matters, but I think that during the shutdown Americans have discovered that there are other things in life, that big-time sports is not important in times such as these.

[colorado tanker]

I also think a live fan experience is more integral to hockey than other sports.

I think you are on to something. I watched the Stanley Cup tournament this year and thoroughly enjoyed it, but the experience just wasn't the same without fans in the house, even cheering against my team.