You saw the hashtags, the commercials and the t-shirts. We were all a little skeptical to believe it. If Saturday's ratings figures are to be believed, however, hockey is back.

NBC drew a massive (for hockey) 2.0 overnight rating for regional coverage of the Penguins and Flyers as well as the Kings and Blackhawks, which included the Kings' banner-raising ceremony. This was the best overnight rating for a regular season NHL telecast (not counting the Winter Classic) since Jan. 12, 2002. That day, ABC was airing regional coverage, led by Rangers-Flyers, which was Eric Lindros' return game to Philadelphia. That gives you an idea of how long it's been since we've seen NHL ratings this high.


http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/1/2...13-opening-day