Fans may have an impact on hockey teams, particularly if they’re able to deliver an amazing home ice advantage, but of course when it comes to playoffs, it’s not a popularity contest. It doesn’t matter if your city qualifies as a “hockey city”. If you don’t make it, enjoy the links.

While Canadians maintain that hockey is Canada’s sport, there is no doubt it is becoming more and more popular across the border in the States. Markets like San Jose, Nashville, and Vegas have quickly made their arena atmospheres some of the best in the league, and on Wednesday NBC released television ratings that included American cities that hadn’t even made the post-season.

 

There are a few surprises on here. Buffalo is not a surprise appearance on the list, but to be the top city – above all the cities that are actually playing – is a little surprising. Then you have Phoenix, who was in danger of losing their franchise (a Coyotes team that finished in the cellars this year) not long ago from a lack of interest. Finally you have St. Louis, who is still likely reeling from the heartbreak of Game 82, in which the Colorado Avalanche beat them out for the final playoff spot.

 

That feeling when you qualify for playoff hockey 😂. . (Via: Reddit Hockey)

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Then you have to cities in Florida. While the Tampa Bay Lightning have made the post-season, these numbers are likely helped out by a flock of Canadians vacationing down south for the colder months.

(H/T NBC Sports PR)