With a potential expansion on the way—and we all know it's coming—the NHL will have to change the format of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, even if it wants to.
We've heard NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman talk about how he likes things the way they are, but if the League can expand to 34, maybe even 36 teams, there will be a lot of clamor to add a game to the circuit.
There is no need for the NHL to Extend the Stanley Cup Playoffs
We've heard arguments about the season being too long and the regular season being about playing around. Just look at the last few seasons, where the last few weeks and games feel like playoffs. However, in the end it will make sense with the teams on the rise and the NHL's talent level is very high.
Not to mention the tiebreakers are a bit confusing. Again, everything is based on regulation and overtime wins, not shootout wins. That's an argument for another day about eliminating the shootout and extending overtime.
When Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Season joined Mick Kern and Dennis Bernstein on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, they discussed expanding the playoffs, considering that teams like Buffalo, Ottawa, and Detroit were close. The Red Wings tied for points last year but fell short due to their breakout season. Montreal is expanding, so eventually the playoffs will come.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Should the NHL Expand Its Playoff Format?
Dave Pagnotta: “I agree with you, when we get to that point, I believe. And I've talked to whatever I'm going to say, I've talked to some owners, and they believe we're going to get to 36 now. That doesn't mean we'll get to 36 in the next round of expansion. I think we will add two more teams, and then there will be a little gap and whatnot, and then we will get to 36.
My time frame a few years ago was 2030 in and around that range. I'll stick with that at least it's known that we'll get to 36. We may not have 36 playing in 2030, but we will know that maybe in a year or two, we have another team. coming in, City X and City Y. I think when we get to that point.
100% playoff format will be different, whether playoff round-robin or playoff; Well, I think maybe the top team in each conference gets the first bye, or whatever. Like, there are many different ways. “
The argument against this would be that the season is as long as it is. But you can't complain that the season is too long and want the playoffs to be longer.
Bettman Still Says No to Extended Stanley Cup Playoffs
Dennis Bernstein: “I want to say this: the same people stand for it and want to expand the playoffs. They are the ones who complain that we are playing at the end of June. So you can't have both because they don't shorten the regular season because they need the revenue. So yes, if you want to extend, great, but then don't come to me, then they still play on July 1 or June 27 and say, Oh, the season is too long, right? You can't have it both ways.”
With the Four Nations Cup this season and the Olympics in 2026, the season will once again end at the end of June. The NHL will continue to play games overseas, and with extended playoffs on the horizon, the question will be whether the League wants to start the season earlier.
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Currently, the season starts on October 4 overseas. Do they shorten the preseason and start at the end of September? Some owners are reluctant to do that, especially against the NFL and college football. However, there should be consensus on how the international hockey calendar is structured.
The NHL and the expansion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, especially if expansion is coming, is something to keep an eye on moving forward.
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