NHL pauses regular season because of coronavirus

[forumname]

The talk about "finishing the season", but that's not really what it's going to be. It's something else entirely, and there will be a big ole asterisk by the cup winners. I'm all for more hockey, but I don't see a huge benefit to "finishing" this year.

[PenguinHunter]

The talk about "finishing the season", but that's not really what it's going to be. It's something else entirely, and there will be a big ole asterisk by the cup winners. I'm all for more hockey, but I don't see a huge benefit to "finishing" this year.

I think this is like politics... those with favourite teams that were legit Cup Contenders want to finish the year... those that were outside are ready to dust off the golf clubs.

[Dr.Brad]

Normally, it’s more about money than other circumstances. But I can also see teams below the playoff cut-off not wanting to expose stars to injury risk. Would YOU put Larkin or Mantha out on the ice?? Hertl?? Erik Karlsson??

[Axeman33]

The talk about "finishing the season", but that's not really what it's going to be. It's something else entirely, and there will be a big ole asterisk by the cup winners. I'm all for more hockey, but I don't see a huge benefit to "finishing" this year.

For me, finishing the year is more about the draft and finalizing draft positions. There's a lot tied to the draft such as conditionals and traded picks. Some teams have played more games than others and that plays in to draft positions.

[pmorrow]

https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/st...35285468200960

"Sources indicate the Return To Play Committee has talked throughout the weekend, NHL-NHLPA making progress on a 24-team format. Sources also stressing there's still work to be done, but clearly the weekend has produced some traction. More talks expected over next day or two."

[pmorrow]

https://twitter.com/SunGarrioch/stat...15242521366530

"Melnyk says he’s “100 percent” confident the Stanley Cup will be awarded this season and there will be a full season next year. #Sens"

[pmorrow]

https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/s...804291585?s=19

[PenguinHunter]

Ottawa has a private facility where Sens and other local Nhlers can go to skate

[pmorrow]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...playoff-setup/

"The top four seeds (based on points percentage) in the East would be Boston, Tampa Bay, Washington and Philadelphia. Top four in the West would be St. Louis, Colorado, Vegas and Dallas.

They would receive byes through the play-in, but participate in a three-game tournament to get some action. I confess I’m not certain of all the details on if or how it would affect playoff seeding.

The rest of the playoffs would be “bracketed.” That means, in both conferences 5 vs. 12 (winner plays four seed), 6 vs. 11 (winner plays three seed), 7 vs. 10 (winner plays two seed) and 8 vs. 9 (winner plays one seed)."

[Axeman33]

I dont foresee any of the top teams looking for a bye or play in meaningless tournaments. The whole league has been in a bye week for months nows. They will want to play meaningful games right out of the gate, just like all the teams will.

Who knows how this will play out.

[Dr.Brad]

Agree with Axeman - BUT - a team that got 2 “meaningful” games in, and swept a best-of-three play-in.... vs. a top seed who’s playing their first game in 5 months would also be unfair. I could see the top 4 teams, east and west, play a round robin for seeding and choice of 2nd round opponent.

[Dennis]

Inching closer...

Pierre LeBrun@PierreVLeBrun

The latest on the 24-team Return to Play format proposal, the NHL awaiting word from the NHLPA on it. The NHLPA has a 7 p.m. ET Executive Board call tonight to discuss the format. Here's more details on where everything sits now:
https://theathletic.com/1828663/2020...-to-play-plan/

[ericdaoust]

If only 24 teams return to play (essentially straight to playoffs) then RIP H2H season...

[pmorrow]

If only 24 teams return to play (essentially straight to playoffs) then RIP H2H season...

Yep that's toast. I am curious to see what yahoo comes up with for this new format. They aren't really a playoff fantasy platform but this might force them to become one.

[chuckcouples]

If only 24 teams return to play (essentially straight to playoffs) then RIP H2H season...

I think the NHL's "regular season" is done with regardless of how the season continues. None of the stats going forward will count towards regular season totals is my guess.