What does the next phase of the NHL playoffsâ€”the Eastern Conference Finalsâ€”mean to Pittsburgh?

Approximately $4 million per game in terms of economic impact, according to VisitPittsburgh, which has projected a steady $400,000 per game increase as the Penguins have progressed from quarterfinals ($3.2 million vs. the New York Islanders), to semifinals ($3.6 million vs. the Ottawa Senators) from a combination of ticket sales, hotel rooms, meals, parking and ancillary spending.

As the Pens get closer to the championship, thereâ€™s more media attention, more money is spent, stays are longer and ticket prices increase, according to VisitPittsburgh CEO Craig Davis. About 5 percent of visitors stay in town overnight for a regular season game; that rises to 10 percent during the playoffs.

If the upcoming series with the Boston Bruins is a sweep for either team, Pittsburgh should see about $8 million, which would bring the total to more than $28 million.

The $4 million per conference finals game nearly doubles the $2.2 million generated by a regular season game.

Patty Tascarella is a senior reporter for the Pittsburgh Business Times, a sister publication of Sporting News.