
Based on points percentage, the seeds could be given from 10 points (first) to 0 (sixth) at the start. The first round “becomes” a five-game round robin - with a handicap by standings at arrival of the pause.

PACIFIC HUB: Vegas, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Arizona, Minnesota Louis, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Nashville, Chicago (Blackhawks stay in Central because Blues are top-ranked in West)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69108590/1231918340.0.jpg)
METROPOLITAN HUB: Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Islanders, ColumbusĪTLANTIC HUB: Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Florida, Montreal, Rangers (added as lowest seed from Metropolitan - Bruins are top-ranked in East, and should have that reward in their hub)ĬENTRAL HUB: St. Here is an idea for a 24-team setup that can address some of those concerns: One idea that’s been thrown around is a set number of “regular-season” games among those teams in their respective hubs, but there’s a worry about “wasting” time during such uncertainty. The top teams still don’t like the idea of sitting around while everyone below them gets meaningful games.
Sign up for elliotte friedman 31 thoughts series#
That’s also led to a debate about what format the opening series should be - best two-of-three, or best three-of-five? I’ve heard a few teams are upset that Chicago and Montreal will get in, especially if you’ve got to deal with a rested Carey Price in the opening round. It’s more of a challenge for teams like Pittsburgh, which deservedly gets a ton of national games. You want to play that many games on your regional network. I’m told the magic number for many of these markets in the United States is 70.

It would eliminate the controversies around the regular 16-team cutline, and allow the NHL a greater opportunity for regional television inventory. The 24-team playoff setup is being discussed, although, as mentioned, there is no guarantee. “No state secrets here,” Treliving said, “but I do sense some momentum that next week there could be at least a preliminary plan put in place for where we go.” And, as Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, there could be a return-to-play format announced next week. The NHL/NHLPA Return to Play committee convened both Tuesday and Wednesday.
