Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the NHL is continuing to move towards a 24-team playoff plan without fans that would allow the league to finish its suspended 2019-20 season.
The plan is somewhat different than the plan that was reported by TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie last week and circulating among players. This return-to-play scenario would not have a group stage and the playoffs would be determined by conference seeding.
The top four teams in each conference would get a bye from the five-game, play-in series between the five through 12 seeds, though they would play in a three-game tournament “to get some action.” In this scenario, the Washington Capitals be the third-seed and play the winner of the Carolina Hurricanes (6) and New York Rangers (12). After the play-in round, all series would be a best of seven.
Under plan @FriedgeHNIC reported tonight:
EAST
5 PIT-12 MTL winner v 4 PHI
6 CAR-11 NYR winner v 3 WSH
7 NYI-10 FLA winner v 2 TB
8 TOR-9 CBJ winner v 1 BOS
WEST
5 EDM-12 CHI winner v 4 DAL
6 NSH-11 AZ winner v 3 VGK
7 VAN-10 MIN winner 2 COL
8 CGY-9 WPG winner 1 STL https://t.co/VwnhbFtfGx— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 21, 2020
According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, the NHL is now focusing on only two possible hub cities, one of which is most likely Las Vegas.
To further this: We're all pretty certain one of the hubs is going to end up being Las Vegas. One assumes a second hub back East? Keep in mind *none of this* is set in stone. NHLPA exec comm. meeting on it tomorrow. https://t.co/0sOuZlpaJU
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 21, 2020
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston added these details.
Further to @FriedgeHNIC report on progress being made with the NHL's return-to-play format: Important to note this is just about how the 24-team system would work and doesn't cover other critical issues, such as testing protocols, hub cities, visas and many other things.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 21, 2020
And while nothing has been finalized at this stage, the NHL and NHLPA have a framework to at least discuss with their constituents.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 21, 2020
There is a call with the NHLPA's executive board scheduled for tomorrow where return-to-play matters will be discussed, including the format.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 21, 2020
According to Friedman, the NHL and NHLPA could have discussions about this proposal as soon as Thursday, but the same caveat remains: things could change quickly.
Earlier in the day, Capitals defenseman John Carlson said it was “a little bit exciting” that there’s momentum towards a possible return.
John Carlson, on @1067theFan, agrees that momentum for an NHL return is growing. It's been "a little bit exciting as an athlete. Just hoping that this thing keeps pushing in that direction to start getting back into the rink and preparing ourselves for a potential camp." #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) May 20, 2020
The NHL has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic since March 12.
Headline photo: Pixabay
