So rumor has it that the following format, first reported by Elliotte Friedman, has the approval of the NHL and is about to be approved by the NHLPA.
Washington, Philly, Boston and Tampa would play each other once to determine the top four seeding.
The Following would be Best of Five Series.
5. Pittsburgh vs. 12. Montreal (winner plays four seed)
6. Carolina vs. 11. Rangers (winner plays three seed)
7. Islanders vs. 10. Florida (winner plays two seed)
8. Toronto vs. 9. Columbus (winner plays one seed)
St Louis, Vegas, Colorado and Dallas would play each other once to determine the top four seeding
The Following would be Best of Five Series.
5. Edmonton vs. 12. Chicago (winner plays four seed)
6. Nashville vs. 11. Arizona (winner plays three seed)
7. Vancouver vs. 10. Minnesota (winner plays two seed)
8. Calgary vs. 9. Winnipeg (winner plays one seed)
Is this the best way???
I think it is about 95% there...but there are a few issues I see...
First off. Why Bracket these teams if they are all quarantined in the same city? Why not have the best left always play the worst? It would make the otherwise meaningless top four team games mean something...Otherwise, they feel like they are just injuries waiting to happen.
Also, I would be a bigger fan of four host cities with less chance of cross-contamination and the ability to play these games in a shorter time period. I fully believe that unless you can find a place with four or so acceptable rinks the danger that exists from sharing locker rooms is extreme. Ideally, each best of five series would be played in one building or two series could be played in one building if the building has four quality locker rooms. The idea of cleaning out the rooms after each game is a bit nuts I feel...
Playing multiple games in the same day with the typical NHL Playoff overtime scenario could be an issue. Will the NHL have to alter the overtimes or even go to a shootout to determine a playoff game? My proposal would be to make the overtimes limitless, but 4 v 4.
What are your thoughts?
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