Averages don't tell the story. There are big in-season spikes for good matchups in prime slots, that is what drives revenue.
http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/1/2...-came-back-too
Plus the rewards for success are large in hockey. These southern markets can produce skyrocketing numbers when their teams are in the playoffs, the teams can make millions per game.
This past year, Tampa was 11.9 locally for game seven of the semi final (better than NY which was 10.3) and 15 or better for every game in the Stanley Cup Final.