In a sign that the NHL Winter Classic is here to stay, the NHL Winter Classic 2009, broadcast New Year's Day on NBC from historic Wrigley Field, earned a 2.9 overnight rating and a 6 share (1-4:15 p.m. ET), the best overnight NHL regular season rating in nearly 13 years (Feb. 3, 1996 on Fox, six-game regional, 3.0/7) and a 12 percent increase over last year's inaugural event (2.6/5, 1-4:45 p.m. ET). The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 in the second U.S. outdoor game in NHL history.

"Year one was an extraordinary experience. Year two was the establishment of what promises to be a great tradition," said NBC Sports President Ken Schanzer.

Top 10 Metered Markets:

1. Chicago 11.8/21

2. Detroit 10.5/20

3. Buffalo 10.1/20

4. St. Louis 5.3/10

5. Pittsburgh 4.4/8

6. Denver 4.2/10

7. Providence 3.5/7

8. Indianapolis 3.4/6

9. West Palm Beach 3.3/6

10. Orlando  3.2/5

Source: National Hockey League

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