ESPN scores most-viewed Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final since 2015, the latest viewership successes headed into the Stanley Cup Final

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ESPN scores most-viewed Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final since 2015, the latest viewership successes headed into the Stanley Cup Final

  • Four game Vegas Golden Knights-Colorado Avalanche series averaged 2.2 million viewers
  • Most-viewed Western Conference Final Game 4 matchup since 2016
  • Follows record-breaking Stanley Cup Playoffs First and Second Round viewership

ESPN’s 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs postseason viewership continues its nearly two-month standout run, capturing the most-watched Western Conference Final (Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche) since 2015, despite the Golden Knights sweep. Across four games on ESPN, the series averaged 2.2 million viewers and was up 44% vs. the Western Conference Final last year (Edmonton vs. Dallas) which went five games on ESPN.

The series followed ESPN’s most-viewed Stanley Cup Playoffs First and Second Rounds of the current rights deal (2021/22 – present) and adds to the strong momentum heading into ESPN’s exclusive presentation of the Stanley Cup Final (beginning June 2).

ESPN concluded the series with the most-viewed Western Conference Final Game 4 since 2016 (St. Louis-San Jose, NBC), delivering 2.1 million viewers. This series’ Game 4 was up 36% vs. last year’s on ESPN.

Each game in the series delivered a Western Conference Final multi-year high, including:

  • Most-viewed Game 1 since 2018 (2.1 million viewers)
  • Most-viewed Game 2 since 2002 (2.1 million viewers)
  • Most-viewed Game 3 since 2002 (2.5 million viewers)

ESPN’s exclusive presentation of the Stanley Cup Final begins Tuesday in prime time with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Vegas Golden Knights at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and additional ESPN platforms. More on ESPN’s coverage here.

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CONTACTS:

ESPN
Andrea DiCristoforo | [email protected] | 213-405-4612
Ardi Dwornik | [email protected] | 347-702-0742

Andrea DiCristoforo

Based out of the Los Angeles Production Center in LA, California, Andrea DiCristoforo is a Communications Manager focusing on the NHL, College Hockey and ESPN Creative Studio. Prior to joining ESPN in 2022, Andrea worked in Olympic Sports. She is also a proud graduate from the University of New Hampshire.
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