"It's been a great year for the Lightning, on and off the ice," said Steve Griggs, CEO of the Lightning. "In addition to the team setting a single season record for points with 113, we are pleased to report that our fans have responded in record ways - with 148 consecutive sellouts and this great television rating. Many thanks to our partners at FOX Sports for the wonderful game production."
"The Lightning's story this season has made for great television," said Steve Tello, SVP / GM of FOX Sports Florida and FOX Sports Sun. "As the season progressed, fan excitement grew resulting in all-time high viewership. We join the Lightning in celebrating this historic viewing trend, and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Bolts as they prepare for the playoffs."
Additionally, January 2018 finished as the highest rated month of Lightning hockey ever (2.21 HH rating average) and live streaming Lightning hockey games on FOX Sports GO finished up +97% year-over-year. The top-five most watched games this season were Jan. 4 vs. Montreal (2.81 HH), Jan. 2 vs. Toronto (2.7 HH), April 7 vs. Carolina (2.64 HH), Feb. 28 vs. Buffalo (2.61 HH) and March 6 vs. Florida (2.56 HH).
Beginning with Game 1 vs. the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, FOX Sports Florida / FOX Sports Sun will televise all first round playoff games except those exclusive to NBC. Game 1 will be televised on FOX Sports Sun with live coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. from AMALIE Arena, while Game 3 will air on FOX Sports Florida and Game 4 will airon FOX Sports Sun.
