Winter Classic ratings hit all-time low in US
For the second consecutive year, the Winter Classic produced its lowest ratings and viewership since its inception in 2008.
The New Year's day tilt between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins drew a 1.6 rating and 2.8 million viewers on NBC, establishing an all-time low originally set in last year's game.
The event was down 16 percent in ratings and 20 percent in viewership from a year ago when the Washington Capitals defeated the Chicago Blackhawks.
It was just the second time a Canadian team has been featured in the Winter Classic, and viewership North of the boarder does not count towards American television ratings. Tougher college football competition and a lopsided game itself also played a role in the final numbers.
Although the event saw lower than expected totals, it still drew over two times the average viewers for NBC's usual regular season games.
The Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins produced the highest viewership in Winter Classic history with 4.5-million viewers in 2011.
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