Tuesday night's Comcast broadcast of the Caps and 'Canes drew a 1.6 share, or approximately 37,000 households -- microscopic and meager by, say, football or race car standards but easily the best of the season for the Caps. Last night's game against Tampa earned a 2.2 rating. Something, indeed, is happening with hockey in town. So sayeth the team owner:

"That is best rating we have had on television in maybe 10 years of regular season play. Another great sign post that this community is falling in love with this team."

[3:05pm Update]

Comcast SportNet issued the following press release:

Bethesda, MD (April 4, 2008) -- Last night's Capitals-Lighting game on Comcast SportsNet delivered the Capitals' highest-rated game on Comcast SportsNet since the network launched in 2001, and was the highest-rated Capitals game on a regional cable channel in at least 11 years.

The Capitals' 4-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning was the team's tenth win in its last 11 games and a crucial victory in their battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The broadcast drew a peak audience of 62,000 Comcast SportsNet viewers in the Washington, DC market, equating to a 2.7 rating. The game averaged more than 50,000 homes or a 2.2 average rating, and a 2.7 average (37,000 viewers) among males aged 18 to 49.

Capitals' ratings on Comcast SportsNet have increased 166% on a season over season basis since December 26, 2007, when Bruce Boudreau had the interim tag removed from his title and was named the team's head coach. For the season as a whole, Caps ratings have increased 75% and averaged a 0.7 rating.

Following the game, Comcast SportsNet's post-game recap also drew a strong audience. SportsNite: Post Game Edition, airing from 9:35-10 p.m., attracted a 1.6 rating, reaching approximately 40,000 viewers in the D.C. area.

Comcast SportsNet will air Saturday's Capitals regular-season finale against Florida at 7 p.m. in high definition. The network will also carry the Philadelphia Flyers regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday at 3 p.m., as the game most likely will have an effect on Washington's playoff hopes.