The thrilling Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals Wednesday on NBC earned a 4.4 overnight rating and a 7 share, the network announced Thursday.

It is the best overnight rating for a Stanley Cup finals Game 6 in eight years (2000 – New Jersey-Dallas, 5.2/11 on ABC), a 100 percent increase over Game 6 of the 2006 finals (Edmonton-Carolina, 2.2/4 on NBC) and the best for an NHL game on NBC since NBC reacquired the NHL in 2004. The rating peaked at a 5.3/9 from 10:30-11 p.m.

The Red Wings held on for a 3-2 victory, capturing their fourth Cup in 11 years.

"Two great teams, at the top of their game, generated significant interest," NBC Sports president Ken Schanzer said in a statement. "Hopefully, this provides a launching point for future growth. We can't wait for our season to begin, somewhere outdoors, next season."

The game delivered a 37.4/51 in Pittsburgh, and a 30.6/45 in Detroit. The other top markets were Buffalo (10.9/16), Denver (6.6/11), St. Louis (5.7/9), Richmond, Va. (5.6/9), Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio (5.5/9 each)and Minneapolis and Fort Myers, Fla.(5.1/10 each).