The “Gr8 Chase” of Alexander Ovechkin attracted a record-setting audience for TNT Sports, with Sunday’s Washington Capitals-New York Islanders game averaging 905,000 viewers across TNT and truTV, marking the most-watched non-Winter Classic regular season game in TNT Sports history. Remarkably, 1.3 million viewers tuned in for the moment Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goals record.
🚨 IT’S A RECORD BREAKER 🚨
🏒 1.3 million viewers were tuned in to TNT/truTV on Sunday for Alex Ovechkin’s historic moment.
The full @Capitals/@NYIslanders game averaged 905k viewers, the most watched non-Winter Classic regular season game on TNT Sports networks all time. https://t.co/OMkPwzJMgm
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) April 8, 2025
According to TNT Sports PR, the record-breaking moment drew considerable attention, although it is worth noting that the game was non-exclusive, allowing the Capitals and Islanders to broadcast locally on their regional sports networks. It is likely that Monumental Sports Network, the local television home for the Capitals, attracted a significant audience as well. While local viewership figures for the game are not yet available, they could boost the overall audience total.
Despite the excitement, Ovechkin’s historic game faced challenges in its scheduling, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, which was not ideal for West Coast viewers. The game also contended with two golf tournaments and pregame coverage for the NCAA Women’s Basketball championship game. Nevertheless, Sunday’s broadcast capped a successful series of televised hockey events, following the high viewership for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February that has set a positive tone heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL’s ability to harness this increased attention will be crucial as the postseason approaches.
