Since Canada will not be represented in the NHL playoffs this season, could it lead to an increase in interest/viewer ratings in Canada for the World Champs?
I can imagine quite a few Canadians would be interested to see how McDavid would fair in the WC rather than watching an all american playoffs.
McDavid is not enough. The 1/2 final and/or the final, if Canada makes it there, will get ratings, but Canadians tuning in in large numbers just to see McDavid at the WHC? That's not enough imo.
The NHL playoffs will always be a bigger draw regardless of Canadian teams participating or not.
If I had to choose, I'd rather watch Anaheim vs San Jose than Canada vs Hungary at the WHC, with or without McDavid.
just to add, I wouldn't mind if the WHC does get better ratings, as it would just serve as another kick in the groin to the Rogers SN crew and their crappy broadcasts. TSN is where they do hockey right.
The WHC will always be a mid-afternoon warm-up to that evening's NHL playoff action. Send a good team, with star appeal, make it to the 1/2 final/final and Canadians will watch.