NHL Poised for Massive Postseason Shakeup as Play-In Playoff Format Gains Steam
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The NHL is looking to shake things up in a considerably way, and could be looking at the NBA for some encouragement.
Though the NHL has been stuck on the same playoff format for a few years now, fans are clamoring for a change.
Some would like to go back to the old 1 vs. 8 seeding format where the top teams face the lower ones that see the potential for underdog stories and wild upsets.
But some are just content with how things are, as of gives them a chance to see premium Finals matchups early on (i.e Tampa Bay vs. Florida), as they see the best teams in the division; not conference, should be in the postseason.
NHL to introduce Play-In?
However, the NHL might be able to give fans something completely different, and taking a cue from the NBA.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, the league may be looking at introducing a new format to the playoffs, that being a Play-In:
I can tell you internally the demand for that is so high; when there is a change in Commissioner.
I think it'll be one of the first major changes the league makes.
I think it'll be one of the first major changes the league makes.
It's a stunning revelation given that Gary Bettman is very hot and cold when it comes to whether or not he's sticking around for the long-haul.
But would it actually work out in the NHL? There's the potential sure, and it could lead to some teams who were on the cusp (Calgary) to slide in if they end up winning the Play-In.
The current NBA format is as follows, and the NHL could follow in a similar way:
The 9th-place team hosts the 10th-place team, with the loser being eliminated.
The 7th place team hosts the 8th place team in the double-chance game, with the winner advancing as the new 7-seed.
The loser of the 7/8 game hosts the winner of the 9/10 game, with the winner receiving the new 8-seed.
The 7th place team hosts the 8th place team in the double-chance game, with the winner advancing as the new 7-seed.
The loser of the 7/8 game hosts the winner of the 9/10 game, with the winner receiving the new 8-seed.
That means this season would have seen the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings square off for the Play-In in the East meanwhile Calgary and Vancouver would have faced off in a heated rivalry matchup.
NHL Play-In? Only when Gary's Gone
Though it seems that what Johnston is saying relies heavily on the future of Gary Bettman. We know that he doesn't wanna leave his post, but still the the same he needs to wonder when it's time to pass the torch.
It may feel like the Commissioner has a stranglehold on who makes the playoffs or not given how the Florida and Tampa contingent have been dominating recently, but the fact of the matter is that this playoff format is here to stay regardless of how bad it may end up being.
That is, until the new Commissioner comes in. Whether that be Bill Daly taking over eventually or a new face stepping into the task, we've still gotta deal with Gary Bettman.
Hopefully not for much longer.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 1449 ANSWERS NHL Poised for Massive Postseason Shakeup as Play-In Playoff Format Gains Steam Should the NHL introduce a Play-In Format or keep the playoffs the same? | ||
| Bring it in! | 307 | 21.2 % |
| Keep things the same | 283 | 19.5 % |
| 1 vs. 8 please! | 770 | 53.1 % |
| Indifferent | 89 | 6.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
