NHL Potentially Playing the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Centralized Cities

Screencap: NHL.com/capitals

The NBA is considering playing games in centralized locations with no fans. On Tuesday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun discussed on Insider Trading about the NHL potentially playing the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs in centralized cities. So, what would the league’s centralization look like?

The NHL continues to discuss centralizations to ultimately begin the playoffs despite it “not being the preferred route”. If the postseason remains in the 16-team format, four separate, centralized cities would host the games.

However, various formats have floated around such as 20-team or 24-team playoff. If more teams played, more cities would be required.

“It’s on the card,” Le Brun said. “It’s just not what they hoped to do.”

Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan told the media on a conference call on Monday that he would “ideally” like the team to play some regular-season games prior to heading into the postseason, but wouldn’t mind if the league goes straight into the playoffs if able.

Last week in a Metropolitan Division teleconference, captain Alex Ovechkin expressed his desire to jump into the playoffs if or when the NHL continues the 2019-20 season.

To listen to the full video, which includes the NHL’s centralization, the April 15 isolation extension, and issues for the July 1 signing bonuses, click here.