NHL 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Sets Record for Most Watched Ever Through 2 Rounds

The 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs are generating plenty of interest.

The NHL announced Tuesday that the first two rounds of this year's playoffs are the most watched in the sport's history. What's more, the recently completed second round was the most watched second round ever on cable and up 12 percent from 2023.

It's not particularly surprising that this year's playoffs have been so popular, as there are plenty of factors working in the NHL's favor.

The second round alone featured major markets and marquee teams in the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars, among others.

What's more, there was a Game 7 in two first-round series (Bruins over Toronto Maple Leafs and Stars over Vegas Golden Knights) and another in the second round (Edmonton Oilers over Vancouver Canucks).

There has also been plenty of star power with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Artemi Panarin and Matthew Tkachuk among those who advanced to the conference finals.

Even the conference finals have intriguing storylines, as the Florida Panthers are looking to bounce back from losing in the Stanley Cup Final a season ago. Standing in their way are the Rangers, who haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1994.

In the West, McDavid, the game's best player, is going for his first Stanley Cup. Yet his Oilers have to deal with the Stars, who already eliminated the past two champions in the Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.

If the first two rounds are any indication, there will be plenty of fans tuning in as all of those teams battle for the title.