NHL prefers to shorten Stanley Cup Playoffs to squeeze in regular season
The NHL would reportedly prefer to have regular season games, even if it means shortening the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The novel coronavirus has cut the 2019-20 NHL season short for the time being. But apparently the league would prefer to play at least some of the remaining regular season games, even if it means sacrificing part of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
So far, roughly teams have played at least 70 games. It’s not likely all 82 games will be played because it would take too long. However, the league appears to want to play out some of the regular season, rather than skipping straight to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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On a recent Insider Trading segment on TSN, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun said the league is making playing regular season games a priority. The Board of Governors reportedly discussed this on their recent call.
LeBrun also said the NHL is considering several options, including shortening the first three rounds to five games while saving a seven game series for the Stanley Cup Final. NHL insider Darren Dreger added the concept is getting support from NHL general managers.
While players might prefer to skip straight to the postseason, it probably wouldn’t be safe for several reasons. First of all, the playoffs are extremely intense and physical. Forcing players to go from not playing hockey to playing in the most intense postseason in all of sports is probably not good for player safety.
Secondly, it wouldn’t be good for business. The NHL’s postseason is the best postseason in all of sports because of how intense it is. Obviously, with teams not playing for quite some time, there’s going to be a bit of a drop-off in quality. Getting regular season games in would allow teams the chance to get back into game shape.
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Throughout the novel coronavirus pandemic, the league has made it clear they want their players and staff to be safe. Giving players and teams a chance to get ready for the postseason would be best for both parties. Not only that, it would be best for business.