No Canadian team in the NHL playoffs may be bad for business

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The NHL playoffs are just around the corner and for the first time since 1970, there are no Canadian teams in the post-season. And a new report from Angus Reid shows 54 per cent of us will be watching playoff action even less or not watching at all.

Pollster Shachi Kurl says the lack of Canadian content will hurt the economy on more than one front.

“It’s not just about the ratings [but] it’s also about the spin-off. Part of the spring routine is getting together at the pub with your friends watching the game and either jumping for joy or drowning your tears in your beer.”

Kurl adds many Canadians will watch the playoffs even if it’s not their favourite team participating, but the numbers will be a huge blow to TV ratings.

“Especially considering that nearly nine-in-10 Canadians define hockey as a big part and an important part of Canadian culture.”

The poll also asked which team fans think is closest to ending the 23-year drought of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Canada and the Montreal Canadiens finished first at 26 per cent. The Vancouver Canucks garnered eight per cent of that vote.

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