NHL Chatter: Playoffs in 2-8 cities

[PigsRule]

Have you guys read the reports that the NHL and teams are tinkering with the possibility of playing the postseason in 2 or up to 8 cities?

Seems like an interesting twist to get the NHL playoffs moving. Many cities have banned public gatherings Thru June and early July which is likely why the NHL is exploring this Super Bowl-like option. I think the NBA is also thinking of a tournament in neutral cities for their playoffs.

[dickiedunn]

I do not believe a tournament format for the NHL Play-offs in a limited number of cities would work as the home team would want to properly profit from their existing home games. A tournament format would mean rental of facilities and lost revenue for a home arena.

What would actually work is an NHL re-start with "pre-season" games played in select designated neutral cities while waiting for all NHL cities to lift guidelines for "no public gathers" and ensure enforcement of public health and safety measures are put in place to allow arenas to be filled safely. Having worked in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo during the SARS outbreak of 2002-03, I can say that screening and checkpoints are key to keeping COVID-19 in check.

- DD

[Jonathan]

Playoff games are like Rock Concerts. Its all about the fans and atmosphere. Surely, the business side plays a large role, too. On the positive side, Hurricanes have Dougie back healthy and with the way things are shaking up, they might have Pesce too. He is still 3 months out after shoulder surgery, but I don't see any games being played anytime soon.

[Mordecai]

This idea might have more legs now that more time and the spread of the virus has played out a little more.

[PsychoticPondGoons]

This idea might have more legs now that more time and the spread of the virus has played out a little more.

[dickiedunn]

The NHL and teams are exploring various cities for this plan.

[PsychoticPondGoons]

The NHL and teams are exploring various cities for this plan.

They're looking at 4 cities now with teams from 1 division all gathering in one particular city to play things out. Maybe, just maybe it might work.

[jackdaniels]

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29114317/nhl-hopes-reopen-training-facilities-late-may

Bettman's saying late May to reopen NHL training/practice facilities. Interestingly soon given the discussion here on our FNHL pages. Seems a little too soon for the NHL plus there are still travel restrictions in place so the players that left North America to return to Russia, Sweden, Czech Rep, Finland etc are going to hove to plan to return to NA and quarantine for 14 days then be allowed to go to practices. Wonder if they're going to wear masks. That'll make it near impossible to breath properly for these top athletes. HAHA

Apparently the NHLPA wants 3 wks of training time to get up to speed. All that will have to be factored into the restart.

[PigsRule]

Edmonton and Vancouver are making a push to be host cities. I heard Toronto asked their Premier to host but might’ve go a flat NO.

[PsychoticPondGoons]

Vancouver still making a push to be a hub city.
Same with Edmonton.