2005-2006 Eastern Conference Finals

Some details regarding TV ratings for the Sabres playoff run were made public. Reports stated that Buffalo drew ratings ranging from the high teens to the low thirties for several of the games against the Ottawa Senators.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the ratings for Games 1-3 were made public. Thanks to www.sabreSFans.com for an article containing the details.

Game 1 of the 2005-2006 Eastern Conference Finals was on May 20th, 2006 and was broadcast on NBC. The Sabres, lead by Ryan Miller’s 29 saves, defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 at RBC Center. In Raleigh the game drew a 4.4 rating (43,350 households) compared to Buffalo where the game drew a 31.0 rating (199,640 households). Nationally, Game 1 earned a 1.0 rating (1.1 million households).

Game 2 of the 2005-2006 Eastern Conference Finals took place on May 22nd, 2006 and was broadcast on OLN. Carolina’s Ray Whitney scored twice to help the Hurricanes tie the best of seven series at one game apiece. In Buffalo, the game drew a 23.6 rating (151,980 households) while 50,250 households watched in Raleigh (5.1 rating). Nationally, Game 2 earned a .64 rating or 705,280 households.

Game 3 of the 2005-2006 Eastern Conference Finals was also an OLN broadcast on May 24, 2006. The Sabres used two goals from Daniel Briere and a goal and an assist from Ales Kotalik to regain the series lead. In Raleigh, Game 3 garnered a 4.2 rating (41,380 households) while Buffalo drew a 20.1 local rating or 129,440 households. The national rating for Game 3 was .78 (859,560 households).