Boston Strong: 62 Percent of Hockey Fans Say the Bruins Will
Overtake the Rangers in the Discover-NHL Thanksgiving Showdown™
RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2013--
You won’t see any in-store power plays or body checks from avid hockey
fans shopping for doorbuster deals the afternoon of Black Friday this
year. The majority of fans plan to watch the Discover-NHL Thanksgiving
Showdown™.
In a new survey of 800 hockey fans released by Discover, 73 percent said
they plan on watching the Boston Bruins take on the rival New York
Rangers. Eleven percent said they plan to shop, while 9 percent said
they plan to record the game while they shop and watch it later.
Regardless of whether they are watching the game or not, a healthy
majority of hockey fans think the Rangers don’t stand a chance against
the Bruins. Nearly two-thirds, 62 percent, said the Bruins will beat the
Rangers in this historic match-up between two of the National Hockey
League’s (NHL®) Original Six™ teams. Only 20 percent believe
the Rangers will win.
Fans Love Hockey on Black Friday
Just as football is synonymous with Thanksgiving Day, hockey on Black
Friday has created a loyal following as well. In fact, 31 percent of
hockey fans prefer hockey on Black Friday.
And what if there was hockey on Thanksgiving Day? If it was a rivalry
game, nearly half, 48 percent, of all hockey fans are willing to hold
off on the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy if they had a chance to see
their favorite NHL team play live.
Hockey Rivalries Help Define the Sport and Family Ties
Discover’s survey asked hockey fans various questions related to
rivalries, and fans definitely feel rivalry games are more significant
than non-rivalry games. Seventy-percent of hockey fans are either
somewhat or much more likely to watch or attend a rivalry game versus a
non-rivalry game. Only 25 percent said they would watch a game
regardless of the matchup. Other results about rivalries include:
-
37 percent of hockey fans think the historical significance between
teams is the most important factor in determining an NHL rivalry.
Twenty-five percent said geographic proximity, while 13 percent said
number of times a pair of teams met in the Stanley Cup Playoffs®.
-
31 percent think the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Detroit Red Wings
is the NHL’s best rivalry. Coming in second place was the Pittsburgh
Penguins versus the Philadelphia Flyers at 17 percent. The New York
Rangers versus the Boston Bruins finished third at 16 percent.
When it comes to rivalries between friends and family, a majority, 52
percent, said they have a rivalry with someone in their lives. When
asked who they have a rivalry with:
-
47 percent said a friend
-
28 percent said their sibling
-
17 percent said spouse or significant other
It’s interesting to note that nobody said they had a rivalry with their
Mom, but Dad was not as lucky. Six percent of women said they have a
rivalry with their Dad, while only 1 percent of men said the same.
About the Survey
This survey of 800 National Hockey League Fans was conducted on Nov.
12-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. Interviews were conducted both over
the phone and with an online panel.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment
services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S.
financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become
one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues
the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers home
loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans,
checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market
accounts through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover
Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one
of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club
International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than
185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.
NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are
registered trademarks and NHL Thanksgiving Showdown name and logo are
trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the
property of the NHL and its teams.
© NHL 2013. All Rights
Reserved.
Source: Discover Financial Services
Discover
Matt Towson, 224-405-5649
matthewtowson@discover.com