Field Level Media
23 May 2020, 21:25 GMT+10
The National Hockey League Players' Association executive board approved a proposal to resume the 2019-20 season with a 24-team, conference-based playoff format.
Other issues remain to be worked out between the two sides before the players will return to the ice, the union said.
"The Executive Board of the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) has authorized further negotiations with the NHL on a 24-team return to play format to determine the winner of the 2020 Stanley Cup. Several details remain to be negotiated and an agreement on the format would still be subject to the parties reaching agreement on all issues relevant to resuming play," the union's statement read.
The executive board includes a representative from each of the league's 31 teams.
Under the plan, byes into the second round would go to the top four seeds in each conference based on points percentage as of March 12, when the NHL paused the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Based on that, the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference would be the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. The top four Western Conference teams would be the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars. Those teams would play in a three-game tournament to stay sharp, SportsNet reported.
The other 16 teams would play in a best-of-five, play-in first round.
The rest of the bracketed playoff format would have the 5 vs. 12 winner playing the fourth seed, the 6 vs. 11 winner playing the three seed, the 7 vs. 10 winner playing the two seed and the 8 vs. 9 winner playing the one seed in best-of-seven series, according to the report. All remaining series would be best-of-seven, too.
Multiple media outlets have reported that hub cities would be utilized if the plan is approved and that fans would not be allowed in the arenas.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Sports Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sports Sun.
More Information(Photo credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images) New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones agreed to a three-year, $68 million extension,...
(Photo credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images) Pete Crow-Armstrong crushed a pair of home runs and right-hander Colin Rea handled the...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris sustained an eye injury in a Fourth of July...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker and New York Yankees second baseman Jazz...
(Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images) The Red Sox won't wait until after the All-Star break for Alex Bregman, as manager Alex Cora...
(Photo credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images) Jordan Westburg homered and Gunnar Henderson had three hits as the Baltimore Orioles...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris sustained an eye injury in a Fourth of July...
(Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images) Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris returns to action and the Saskatchewan Roughriders...
(Photo credit: Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Southern California offensive lineman DJ Wingfield...
(Photo credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images) LSU and coach Brian Kelly scored a huge win Thursday, keeping local product Lamar Brown...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Amazon Prime Video has hired veteran broadcaster Kevin Harlan to call NBA games during...
(Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was sentenced to three years probation...