As things stand, the NHL fully intends to resume game action at some point. However, although every team still has at least 11 games remaining on the schedule, it appears that not all of them will be lacing up their skates again in 2019-20. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports (subscription required) that it is widely believed that the season is now finished for teams that have no chance of making the playoffs.
This could mean a few different things. One is that the playoffs will be set by the current regular season standings (perhaps by points percentage instead of points to account for the discrepancy in games played as some teams have 14 contests left on the schedule). But that won’t go over well with teams that are just on the edge of being out and there are battles for top-three placement and Wild Card spots across the league.
If they do resume with an abbreviated regular season, how many teams will be allowed to play? Technically, only one (Detroit) has mathematically been eliminated from a playoff spot. A team like Chicago is six points out of a Wild Card position and while it’s unlikely that gap can be closed, it’s not impossible either depending on the number of regular season games played. Another alternative that will be thrown around is a mini-tournament for playoff bubble teams.
Of course, a lot will depend on how this pause in the schedule lasts. If they’re back in action within the next few weeks (their timeline for self-quarantine suggests they’re targeting a quicker return date than the NBA which has already ruled out 30 days), there’s certainly a possibility that a set of regular season games could still be done. But if it’s a prolonged break, then that might not be the case. At the very least though, it seems like some teams may be done already.
this seems like a really contentious idea that would never be approved by the owners, especially of the bad teams.
dark it depends. I think the senators for example would want to play but circumstances may dictate this. it’s possible leagues come back in 3 weeks to a month with empty arenas still. if so, why bother playing?
now the nhlpa may have other ideas if the proposal is those teams wouldn’t have to pay players full amounts.
Just end the season just like they did 100 years ago for the Spanish Flu.
That way I get refunded for myVegas bet on the Canadiens and the Coyotes to win the Stanley Cup.
That’s $10 on each team.
Going by point percentage is a bad idea. Have a few 3-game series’ to determine the last few playoff spots
what they need to do there is at least even out the games played. id hate to lose out on a playoff spot to a team that’s simply played one more game.
Well that’s the point of using point percentage rather than straight points
I still like the idea of a single elimination tournament to finalize the playoff teams and think it could really drum up some interest in the sport. that being said figuring out which teams make it to the tournament and which don’t have to play because they are essentially guaranteed a playoff spot is tough.
For me I still prefer the point total compared to percentage now with some teams playing 1-2 more games look at difference in Western Conference with Calgary and Vancouver compare the two. and believe they implement ROW in scenario for tie breakers. in past they used head to head and goal differential in considering playoffs.
My issue with a single game tournament to determine the last few spots is teams will have been off at least a month & then they’ll come back for a single game. That’s why I like the idea of a 3 game series. It gives the teams a little leeway & for the NHL, it gives them at least an extra game of revenue per series
agree in a vacuum but the tournament idea I believe is if this is a month+ layoff. say they come back may 01. doing a 3 game series puts you back more time. it all will come down to the money and time
What if 1 point were awared to every team, based on the number of their games remaining in the regular schedule?
Detroit would certainly take tht offer.