NHL not considering new playoff format: commissioner Gary Bettman

EDMONTON — Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the NHL does not intend to alter its playoff format regardless of how other leagues do it.

Bettman claims that the current 16 team structure makes regular-season as well as playoff games meaningful.

The NBA added a play in tournament, which gives teams a chance to reach the post-season. Additionally, MLB increased its playoffs last year.

The NHL used a play-in tournament in two “bubbles” to finish out the 2019-20 season after it was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bettman’s remarks were part of a broad-ranging press conference in Edmonton Wednesday before Game 2 between Oilers and L.A. Kings, a first round playoff series.

He also talked about the state the league was in after the COVID-19 Pandemic. He stated that although the NHL had to be agile to deal with the pandemic, it emerged strong and will record its revenues this year.

This report was published by The Canadian Press May 4, 2022.