Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
A controversial NHL decision regarding the playoff schedule is drawing attention today.
If certain teams finish their series too quickly (like the Carolina Hurricanes), they could end up waiting a long time before returning to action in the third round.
And that decision could have a direct impact on the Canadiens’ series against the Buffalo Sabres.
Jeremy Filosa of Cogeco Media highlighted the issue on social media.
“If the Hurricanes eliminate the Flyers Saturday night, and the series between the Canadiens and the Sabres goes to 7 games, and the third round starts 3 nights later, the Canes will have to wait 12 days before playing again.”
– Jeremy Filosa
That’s unbelievable. 12 days of waiting for one team, versus three days of waiting for another, is pretty ridiculous.
And it’s not only because of the Hurricanes’ remarkable performance, either. It’s mainly because of the NHL’s decision to start the second round of the playoffs (including the series between the Canes and the Flyers) before the Montreal Canadiens had even finished their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This is the kind of logistical decision that can completely change the dynamic of a third-round series.
The NHL’s playoff schedule could completely change the Canadiens’ third-round path
It’s a completely absurd scenario when you really think about it. Simply because the NHL does not know how to properly manage its schedule!
12 days without a game in the middle of the playoffs is an eternity.
For the Canadiens, it’s also an interesting detail to keep in mind.
This is exactly the kind of variable that can change everything in the playoffs.
Several analysts have criticized the playoff format for years over this exact issue.
The television broadcasts dictate the timing.
For Martin St-Louis and his team, it’s also something to consider.
If the Canadiens win their series in 5 or 6 games, the team could have the luxury of arriving fresh for the third round.
If the series goes to 7 games, it will be a completely different story.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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NHL playoff schedule controversy could affect Canadiens’ third-round path
Do you think the NHL should revise its scheduling format to avoid a team waiting 12 days between playoff rounds?