NHL Playoff Shakeup? League Eyes NBA-Style Play-In Tournament After Bettman’s Reign
The National Hockey League is on the cusp of a significant transformation, potentially altering the landscape of its playoff system for the first time in decades. Internal discussions are heating up regarding a play-in tournament, mirroring the successful model adopted by the NBA since 2020, but a change won’t happen while current Commissioner Gary Bettman remains at the helm. This is breaking news for hockey fans, and archyde.com has the inside scoop on what’s driving this potential shift and what it means for the future of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
From 76% to 50%: The Shrinking Postseason Pool
For nearly 45 years, the NHL’s playoff structure has remained largely consistent. Since the 1979-80 season, 16 teams have battled for the Stanley Cup. However, with league expansion from 21 to 32 teams, the percentage of clubs participating in the postseason has dramatically decreased – from 76% to just 50%. This dilution of playoff access is a key factor fueling the calls for change. The current format, while steeped in tradition, is increasingly seen as leaving too many competitive teams on the sidelines.
The Play-In Proposal: A New Path to the Cup
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, speaking on the Steve Dangle Podcast, the demand for a play-in tournament is “so high” internally. The proposed format would involve the teams finishing seventh through tenth in each conference competing in a mini-tournament to determine the final playoff spots. Unlike Major League Baseball’s brief play-in series, the NHL model would likely resemble the NBA’s, offering a more extended and dramatic competition. The NBA’s success with this format – generating excitement and increased revenue – is a major selling point for NHL executives.
Why Now? Expansion and Revenue are Key Drivers
The push for change isn’t solely about fairness. League expansion is on the horizon, potentially adding even more teams and further reducing playoff participation rates. A play-in tournament offers a solution to include more franchises in the postseason, boosting revenue through additional games and heightened fan engagement. The “Wild Card” teams participating in such a tournament would represent an additional source of income, a factor not lost on team owners.
Bettman’s Resistance and the Future of the NHL
Despite the growing internal support, a significant hurdle remains: Commissioner Gary Bettman. Johnston reports that Bettman is a staunch defender of the current format, believing it to be a “winning recipe.” He subscribes to the age-old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Furthermore, concerns have been raised by television networks, who may not see the value in adding another layer of playoff competition. However, the expectation is that Bettman’s successor will be far more receptive to the idea of a play-in tournament.
Beyond the Play-In: A Changing Hockey Landscape
The potential for a play-in tournament isn’t happening in a vacuum. The NHL regular season is also expanding from 82 to 84 games, raising questions about player workload and potential fatigue. Adding more playoff games on top of an extended regular season could strain players and impact the quality of play. These concerns will need to be addressed as the league considers its options. The future of the NHL playoff format is inextricably linked to the broader health and sustainability of the game.
The debate surrounding the NHL playoff format is a microcosm of the larger challenges facing professional sports leagues today: balancing tradition with innovation, maximizing revenue while maintaining competitive integrity, and adapting to a changing media landscape. As the league prepares for a potential leadership transition, the pressure to modernize the postseason will only intensify, promising a thrilling – and potentially transformative – chapter in NHL history. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of the world of sports.
