Gary Bettman, on the sidelines of the governors’ meeting, was questioned by the media on a multitude of subjects. From the lot? Whether the NHL would like to consider expanded playoffs.
And on that, the commissioner was clear: no.
The NFL, NBA and MLB have all expanded their playoffs in recent years.
What say you, #NHL?https://t.co/08FNSfDa95
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 14, 2022
In his eyes, the current format works and he sees no reason to change it. He considers the first round of the NHL playoffs “the best in sport” and he doesn’t sense the desire of others to make a change.
There is no nuance in his remarks.
I think it would be trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. – Gary Bettman
I agree with the commissioner on that one, even if I understand the financial advantages of series with larger frames. It’s also more fun to follow at the end of the season.
I also understand that the playoffs were 16 clubs when Bettman arrived and the league only had 24 teams. We are now talking about increasing this to 34 clubs in the more or less near future.
It’s just that I believe the playoffs should remain sacred. I’m a bit of a purist on this one, but for me, a club must have some success to make the playoffs.
I understand that parity means that there are lots of good teams in the NHL… but increasing that to 18 or 20 teams would be really too much for me. I would take a reseeding, but nothing more.
Last year, with 20 teams, the Islanders (37 wins, 84 points), the Blue Jackets (37 wins, 81 points), the Golden Knights (43 wins, 94 points) and the Vancouver Canucks (40 wins, 92 points) would have managed to qualify.
Of the lot, I have three teams that don’t even have 41 wins. You have the right to disagree with me, but in my eyes, a club that wins less than one game in two does not deserve to make the playoffs.
I know that, in fact, I am sometimes alone on my island.
Pierre LeBrun asked 12 governors if they would like to add a play-in to the NHL playoffs (as seen now in the NBA) and he had 12 positive results. Normal: it makes more income.
Do you favor the idea of a play-in before the Stanley Cup playoffs?@PierreVLeBrun asked 12 governors. It was 12-0 in favor of the NHL adding a play-in round.https://t.co/gyU5wzLsnd
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 13, 2022
The play-in NBA ensures the top six teams in each conference make the playoffs. The 7-8-9-10 teams face off in a format that sees the 7-8 teams having to lose two games to not make the playoffs.
Conversely, teams 9-10 must win two games to enter the playoffs.
- Teams 7 and 8 compete for a game. The winner is the seventh seed.
- Teams 9 and 10 face off for one game. The loser is eliminated.
- The loser of the first match and the winner of the second match face off for one match. The winner is the eighth seed.
- Then the first round begins.
But again, I think it gives bad teams the chance to make the playoffs. Last year, the San Antonio Spurs (34 wins in 82 games) had their chance. Let’s see…
I understand that the NHL is the only league that hasn’t expanded its playoff cadre, but the NFL has grown to 14 clubs and MLB now has 12 playoff teams. The NHL was already leaving with a (too) big lead, quite simply.
It should be noted that in baseball, some players did not want playoffs with larger frames because they had the feeling that the teams would spend less, given the fact that it is “easy” to make the playoffs without putting all the effort into it. rubber.
And in a few years, the salary cap will go up in the NHL and the clubs will have more leeway.
A lot of
– Something to note about the Rocket.
The Rocket are in Utica tonight to face the Comets with reduced rosters. For this 4-game road trip, JF Houle will only have 12 attackers and 8 defenders available. The injured Bowey, Primeau and Martel stayed behind, in particular.
— Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) December 14, 2022
– Good news.
Oliver Kapanen named to the Finland World Junior roster https://t.co/Gv43rHweCu
— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) December 14, 2022
– These are files to follow.
Pagnotta: Kane, Toews to discuss futures in New Year https://t.co/kFGICONnim
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) December 13, 2022
– Everyone speaks well of this speech-is.
What was Martin St. Louis’ opening speech like to the players?
Former Canadiens Equipment Manager Pierre Gervais joins @TonyMarinaro to discuss St. Louis’ first speech to the #Habs.
Full pod????????
Watch: https://t.co/WaCRxTngAU
Listen: https://t.co/Rizf91ghwe#thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/5BSC45Uakm— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) December 14, 2022
– It’s true that we see it often, but the NHL wants it.
Who will own the @Senators ? According @Syl_St_Laurent , “Ryan Reynolds has done everything Gary Bettman hates until now”. ????
At ???? of @LangloisMario listen to the reporter talk about the team situation ????⤵https://t.co/Vvl3vUmErY
— 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) December 14, 2022
