REPORT: Major changes to come to future NHL schedules
Commissioner Gary Bettman is always looking for more ways to generate revenue (shocker!).
More so since the salary cap has remained largely unchanged for the past few seasons due to the pandemic. From ads on helmets and now jerseys, the first tactic was switching the playoff format.
When the league transferred to its ''Divisional'' postseason model, it was meant to ignite divisional rivalries. However, the larger the NHL has expanded, the less you play even in your own division (down to 3 per season).
According to Sportico, that's all about to change, as the NHL is looking at changing the regular season schedule for more rivalry meetings.
Team owners and executives have recently discussed efforts to create more games between geographic rivals�and ultimately generate more money.
As soon as next season, teams like Edmonton and Calgary could play as many as eight games against each other, rather than the current three.
The idea behind this shift was partially bolstered by the NHL's COVID-disrupted 2020-21 season when the league redrew all four divisions.
If this is the case, regular season games will have as many playoff implications as they ever have. Teams don't hate each other like they used to, but this could change that.
Could you imagine the Bruins playing the Maple Leafs or Canadiens five plus times a season again!?
| POLL | ||
How many times should rivals play during the regular season? | ||
| 3-4 times | 31 | 21.4 % |
| 4-5 times | 45 | 31 % |
| 5-6 times | 37 | 25.5 % |
| 6+ times | 32 | 22.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
