While meeting with reporters before the start of the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman dismissed the idea of play-in games being added to the regular season schedule.
Don’t expect the NHL and commissioner Gary Bettman to change the format of the Stanley Cup Playoffs anytime soon.
While meeting with reporters before the start of Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly were asked about the potential of adding a play-in format to the regular season schedule similar to that of the NBA.
Bettman quickly shut down the idea, noting just how close the end of the regular seasons have been in the last several years, with playoff positions up for grabs until the very last possible moment.
By the way, we had a play-in. Did you know that three clubs’ positions in the playoffs weren’t determined until the last game that they played in the regular season? We think that what we have is working very well.
The NHL has also faced criticism for the adoption of the Wild Card postseason format instead of the traditional No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, etc.
Bettman also indicated that discussions between the NHL and the NHLPA on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement are in a good place.
We are having very constructive, cordial dialogue. I think we’re in really good shape.
Bettman is correct about the late-season drama being similar to that of a play-in format; the Panthers seized the final playoff spot as the 2nd Wild Card team in the Eastern Conference in 2023, and would upset the 65-win Boston Bruins in Round 1 en route to what was their 1st of 3 straight appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.
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