NHL Considers Temporary ReAlignment & Shorter Schedule. Not Surprised.

[PsychoticPondGoons]

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-could-play-reduced-schedule-for-2020-21-season/c-319607032

Possible shortened 2020-21 season according the Nov 10th article on NHL.com.
Someone in FNHL called it.
Might've been my brilliant mind. LOL

Then there's talk of 2020-21 bubbles with temp realignment to get the shorter season done!

Thoughts!?

[jackdaniels]

I think the NHL has a good plan. Mini tourney format could work. Perhaps a mini break before moving onto the next Hub/bubble for another 10-12 days.
Clearly with restrictions still in place between US & Canada, my guess is that Canadian teams will be asked to take long road trips in the states to complete play against US based teams.

The NFL has been somewhat reckless but that's my POV but when your league and sport is swimming in $$$, you don't have to give a F! Am I right.

[King Boseman]

For what it's worth, here's a TMZ article about how Aaron Rodgers is questioning the NFL's COVID-protocols saying some seem to be for "optics". Oooooooooo! Veterans!

The NHL should likely organize northern US teams and prepare them to play the Cdn teams. Then the other US based teams should split into 2 divisions and play one another.

Playoffs would be

US South/East/West Conference VS US North/Cdn Conference

Keep it as regional as possible until the playoffs.
It'll be a one off re-alignment either way.
That's my 2 cents.

[jackdaniels]

For what it's worth, here's a TMZ article about how Aaron Rodgers is questioning the NFL's COVID-protocols saying some seem to be for "optics". Oooooooooo! Veterans!

The NHL should likely organize northern US teams and prepare them to play the Cdn teams. Then the other US based teams should split into 2 divisions and play one another.

Playoffs would be

US South/East/West Conference VS US North/Cdn Conference

Keep it as regional as possible until the playoffs.
It'll be a one off re-alignment either way.
That's my 2 cents.

Nahhh. That sucks newbie! Go back where you came from. jk
I think that makes good sense. Of course travel for the US S-E-W teams would be tough but it'd all be about how they get realigned. South East vs South West. Should be enough teams to pull that off.

[PigsRule]

My key take away from the NHL story was they are still focused on dropping the puck January 1, 2021.

If so, a shortened season like the 2012/13 season that started January 19, 2013 and ended April 28,2013 makes sense. 40ish games. Don’t try to play thru the Summer when other sports are going on and ppl are on vacation not expecting hockey.

[Rock On]

The NHL talked about 10-12 days in each mini-hub city, 1 week break to go home and spend time with family, then back out for another 10-12 days in another hub city.

Basically mini-tournaments rotating through until the playoffs is my understanding.

[King Boseman]

Reminds me of the prospect tournaments they play pre-season as part of training camp or extended rookie camp. 3 teams get together at Traverse City.

I think it's a great idea. I'm just wondering if there's enough game variance for the proposed Canadian Division with only 7 teams. Wonder if they'll get an exemption to travel to the states and play a mini-tournament against some US teams. Perhaps at the tail end of the regular season?

[Burkes Boys]

Reminds me of the prospect tournaments they play pre-season as part of training camp or extended rookie camp. 3 teams get together at Traverse City.

I think it's a great idea. I'm just wondering if there's enough game variance for the proposed Canadian Division with only 7 teams. Wonder if they'll get an exemption to travel to the states and play a mini-tournament against some US teams. Perhaps at the tail end of the regular season?

It seems like it will resemble the Prospect tournaments. Still interested to see how the Canadian Div gets integrated into the overall regular season plan.  I mean if the Cdn teams play each other and no US teams, each Cdn team will play each of the other Cdn teams a total of 7-8 times each. Seems like overkill and doesn't make for great entertainment.