It's a great time to be a fan of a first-place NHL team.
Driving the news: All four first-place teams — the Panthers, Hurricanes, Avalanche and Flames — rank among the 10 least-expensive nights out per the newest Fan Cost Index (FCI).
How it works: FCI measures the cost for a family of four to attend a game. Four non-premium tickets, two beers, two sodas, four hot dogs, two souvenir hats and parking.
By the numbers: The NHL's average FCI is $462.58, up 5% from last year ($439.91).
- The Maple Leafs have the highest FCI ($697.75), driven largely by their league-high average ticket price ($145.60), though as a second-place team they're at least providing good value.
- The cellar-dwelling Kraken (second-highest FCI) and Blackhawks (fifth-highest) don't provide great value. Seattle is still selling out every game, though, with fans excited about their new team.
Zoom out: The NHL trails only the NFL in terms of fan costs, though the newest data has yet to be published for the NBA, MLB and MLS.
- NFL: $568.18 (November 2021)
- NHL: $462.58 (March 2022)
- NBA: $430.25 (October 2020)
- MLB: $253.64 (September 2021)
- MLS: $250.40 (May 2019)