There is still no concrete plan for the 2020-21 NHL season and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly recently stated that to suggest the league is even leaning towards one plan or another is a stretch. All that is known so far is that the earliest the league will start is early January with the potential for that date to move back even further. With that in mind, as well as some conflict with American TV rights holder NBC, who has committed to airing the Summer Olympic Games in late July, the likelihood of a shortened NHL season is very high, even if the league and players would both prefer otherwise.
On the topic of a shortened season, the league appears to make at least one thing clear. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski and Emily Kaplan report that leagues sources have claimed that the upcoming season will have a minimum 48-game schedule. The same number of games that were played in previous lockout-shortened seasons, 48 games is a number that the owners appear to be comfortable with in order to have a traditional 16-team postseason.
With that said, Wyshynski and Kaplan write that the season could be upwards of 65 games, a number that teams and players alike prefer. After an incomplete 2019-20 season, everyone wants to get as close to a normal season as possible, in terms of regular season length, postseason structure, and perhaps even fans in the stands. However, the league has stated that their greatest priority is to have the 2021-22 season start on time and be full-length, so this coming season will have to play into that plan.
48 games,3-4 games per week,14-16 weeks,no ASG,16 team playoff format.
They could “double bubble” the divisions.
NHL & AHL affiliates rotating thru. Why AHL as well? Seattle and you are going to need call ups. AHL games played in the afternoon.
Top four teams in each division reach the postseason.
If I understand this correctly, NBC will somehow disallow games in July or otherwise pressure the NHL into concluding their season before the Olympics because they themselves won’t be able to broadcast the games. That’s about as good a reason as any to start a boycott of NBC.
They have NHL Network & NBCSP , that would broadcast the remaining regular season and playoffs and Stanley Cup, have watched many games on those channels so NBC can broadcast their Olympics
NBCSN also runs the olympics. Basically would just have NHLN
Well a season anyway. Reminds me of strike years.
Can we please have a surprise mailbag or like ranking of different prospects/skills, anything to read today. I need a distraction from the stress and anxiety I am feeling from the election.
Favorite Hockey team at the NHL or Minor League Level? Favorite all time players you liked? Favorite Fighter? Light enough for you?
Do some sporcle quizzes
Eat some Chocolate. That is a stress buster
I am sorry but the NHL is a league that is controlled by money the more money Mr. Weasel Bettman can get the more he looks like a genius but it is nuts to think NBC could not show the NHL games locally and nationally on other networks they own… I know Olympic games are a money maker as well but a 48 game season and then a other well off team getting the top pick in the 2021 draft.. Wake up Gary and go to another network and play a damn full season… Idiot
USA Network would be another choice as they showed some of the early rounds of the playoffs and has carried games many times over the years
Also CNBC SYFY OXYGEN and all other local stations can carry games even right to the final.. The local stations can carry games even lift blackout rights because there will probably not be many fans if not none… It is just sad times are tough and the big men in little shoes are trying to make a few extra dollars… Wake up and let these athletes perform…