Anthony Travalgia: What does the NHL playoff format mean for the Bruins? What does the 24-team playoff format mean for the league leading Bruins?

If it’s not the best format what is?

It is not the best format but no format will be. Fact is for the financials the NHL needs to find a way to award the cup. Also, the cup needs to be hard to acquire and be entertaining for fans. From a fans point of view. As a one off playoff format this could be hugely entertaining, maintain integrity and any team that wins will go down in history regardless. So I think it is a good idea, though only for this year during the current times, afterwards I need the more normals formats.

If you’re worried about your star player getting injured in the round robin then sit them or limit their play time. But it seems like a silly argument because everyone is at risk whenever they’re on the ice.

Cancel the season. Whoever wins this Cup will forever have an asterisk next to it.

Cancel the season. Whoever wins this Cup will forever have an asterisk next to it.
- GalacticStone

Obviously things won’t be normal and maybe not playing hockey is the right thing; but who cares if the cup has an asterisk next to it? The cup has been played for under many different formats. As long as they legitimately play the games what difference does it make?

Also? Someone want to tell me who this fire at benefits? Because after the playoffs are over everyone who lost will say they got screwed and the winner only won because of a pandemic; but does anybody know who that is now???? No.

When Tampa loses is it because of the pandemic or because they can’t win in the playoffs? If they finally get a cup they’ve been considered a top contender for years did the virus help them?

Pittsburgh is bellyaching about playing Montreal in a short series. For (frank) sake if you can’t beat the Habs who shouldn’t even be in the playoffs do you deserve to advance?

And there is no real asterisk anywhere except in people’s minds. Anyone upset about the asterisk in 1925 when the Canadiens were handed the cup without playing the Hamilton Tigers when the league suspended them for demanding more pay? No. Just another cup for the Canadiens.

Cancel the season. Whoever wins this Cup will forever have an asterisk next to it.
- GalacticStone

As disappointing as that might be for a first place Bruins team, I agree.
Not worth the risks to finish this season.

Obviously things won’t be normal and maybe not playing hockey is the right thing; but who cares if the cup has an asterisk next to it? The cup has been played for under many different formats. As long as they legitimately play the games what difference does it make?

Also? Someone want to tell me who this fire at benefits? Because after the playoffs are over everyone who lost will say they got screwed and the winner only won because of a pandemic; but does anybody know who that is now???? No.

When Tampa loses is it because of the pandemic or because they can’t win in the playoffs? If they finally get a cup they’ve been considered a top contender for years did the virus help them?

Pittsburgh is bellyaching about playing Montreal in a short series. For (frank) sake if you can’t beat the Habs who shouldn’t even be in the playoffs do you deserve to advance?

And there is no real asterisk anywhere except in people’s minds. Anyone upset about the asterisk in 1925 when the Canadiens were handed the cup without playing the Hamilton Tigers when the league suspended them for demanding more pay? No. Just another cup for the Canadiens.
- Queenie_5_hole

The Habs didn't win in 1925. The Tigers were suspended and replaced by the Victoria Cougars. The Cougars won. But yeah, no one puts an asterisk here even though Victoria was awarded a Finals appearance despite not earning it.

As disappointing as that might be for a first place Bruins team, I agree.
Not worth the risks to finish this season.
- Nasty_Duck

Until there is a vaccine or effective treatment, it's irresponsible to restart this season or any season.

Others will disagree for various reasons, including money. I doubt that the NHL will take any kind of stand that ends up costing revenue (like almost all businesses). So I expect we'll see some games sooner rather than later. Of course, I will watch those games and I hope that nobody dies because the league of millionaire players and billionaire owners need money.

The Habs didn't win in 1925. The Tigers were suspended and replaced by the Victoria Cougars. The Cougars won. But yeah, no one puts an asterisk here even though Victoria was awarded a Finals appearance despite not earning it.
- jmatchett383

Thanks for the clarification.

I really think this will be a moot point. With all the people involved in making this happen, the probability of someone (anyone, player, coach, training staff, etc.) testing positive at some point is very high. The moment that happens, everything will be shutdown and likely for good.