Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar may have just triggered a major shakeup in the NHL's playoff format
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Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar may have just set in motion a major shakeup in the NHL playoff format, potentially altering how teams approach the postseason and reshaping the league's most critical matchups.
Makar has shaken the NHL with recent comments urging commissioner Gary Bettman to make major changes to the playoff format, grabbing fans' and analysts' attention.
Cale Makar may have just triggered big change in the NHL.
Charlie McAfee from Hockey Patrol writes that NHL insider Chris Johnston reports that the league could be revisiting its playoff format, taking cues from other major sports like the NBA and MLB.
"There's been a debate and discussion over the past few years regarding the NHL potentially making an adjustment to its playoff format, as fans and players both hope for something different that lends itself to a bit more parity and excitement.
But Gary Bettman has stayed firm so far, and while there were some preliminary talks about adjusting things, there's been nothing concrete even with a new CBA coming into place shortly." -McAfee
But Gary Bettman has stayed firm so far, and while there were some preliminary talks about adjusting things, there's been nothing concrete even with a new CBA coming into place shortly." -McAfee
Johnston suggests the league may not be as resistant to playoff changes as some rink, with rumours swirling about possible adjustments in the future.
"It's my belief that change is coming eventually. Adding a wild-card play-in like the NBA and MLB already have is an obvious place to start." -Johnston
Such a change could be a major win for both the league and its players, generating more revenue from additional playoff games while giving players, like Jeff Skinner, who finally played his first playoff game this season, a chance to compete on hockey's biggest stage. However, not all fans are sold on the idea.
"There's no doubt that while there is a want to give some teams the chance to surprise some and make a dark horse run, there's an obvious financial incentive to this potential change.
With more games being scheduled, that means more tickets sold, more ad revenue, and even more record-breaking profits. But as we've seen with the MLB and NBA, that amount of money brought it can lead to a lot higher spending limits for teams; in the case of the MLB -- anything they want pretty much." -McAfee
With more games being scheduled, that means more tickets sold, more ad revenue, and even more record-breaking profits. But as we've seen with the MLB and NBA, that amount of money brought it can lead to a lot higher spending limits for teams; in the case of the MLB -- anything they want pretty much." -McAfee
For Bettman, maximizing revenue has always been the NHL's top priority. While he may be open to adjustments, the focus remains on making the league as profitable as possible.
That's beneficial for the league's long-term future, but it's easy to see why some fans might be less than thrilled about the potential changes.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 22 | 17 ANSWERS Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar may have just triggered a major shakeup in the NHL's playoff format Do you think the NHL needs to change their current playoff format? | ||
| yes | 11 | 64.7 % |
| no | 6 | 35.3 % |
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