NHL could implement Play-in tournament for the Stanley Cup playoffs?
Tonight a new suggestion from Montreal Canadiens insider Arpon Basu has brought up the possibility that the NHL could implement a play-in style tournament in the future. This would be a similar style to how the NBA currently does their playoffs.
With the final days of the NHL season being incredibly dramatic fans are wishing they could see more teams in the playoffs. The Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins all lost out on a spot tonight. To remedy this Montreal Canadiens insider Arpon Basu suggested a new format.
This scenario would end up seeing only one of those three teams to miss a playoff spot. The other two would get an opportunity for a play-in game. Instead the Washington Capitals secure the only spot with a win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
While this change is unlikely for now if the NBA continues to succeed in growing viewership with their play in tournament it could impact Gary Bettman and the NHL. For now, we will all just have to enjoy the traditional Stanley Cup playoffs.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 17 | 424 ANSWERS NHL could implement Play-in tournament for the Stanley Cup playoffs? Should the NHL try out the play in tournament for next year's playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 221 | 52.1 % |
| No | 203 | 47.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
