Bettman says the first- and second-round playoff matchups could be either best-of-five or best-of-seven series, but the conference finals and Stanley Cup final will be best-of-seven.
Tuesday's announcement is an important step in the league's bid to restart the season, which was suspended March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but does not guarantee a return to action. "We remain focused on the safety of our players, coaches, support staff and arena personnel," Bettman said. "We will not set dates, choose sites or begin to play until we know what's appropriate and prudent, and are approved to do so."
The league announced Monday it hopes to move to Phase 2 of its return-to-play protocol, including the opening of team facilities and allowing groups of up to six players on the ice at one time under strict guidelines, early next month. Phase 3 would be training camps, while Phase 4 would be the resumption of play.The NHL playoffs traditionally involve eight teams from each conference, with the winner having to navigate four best-of-seven series following a full schedule.
The East's best-of-five "play-in" series would see Pittsburgh versus Montreal, Carolina versus the New York Rangers, the New York Islanders versus Florida, and Toronto versus Columbus. The four winners of the best-of-five matchups in each conference would then be pitted against the top-4 seeds.
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