Breaking News - NHL considering major overhaul to team's schedule
The National Hockey League is always looking for more ways to generate revenue. This is especially true considering the salary cap has remained largely unchanged for the past 3 seasons now. Over the past few years the NHL has taken on an approach to ensure every team faces every team at least once per year.
When the NHL transferred to their Divisional Playoffs model it was meant to build off divisional rivalries, but as the league expanded it has reduced divisional regular season games to 3 match ups per season. This means that the Maple Leafs/Bruins, Flames/Oilers and Lightning/Panthers only play each other 3 times per season. But it looks like the NHL is now trying to find ways to capitalize on those rivalries.
According to Sportico, the NHL is looking at revamping their regular season schedule that would see them try to create more �geographic' rivals, take a look:
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.
Increasing the number of times these teams play is not only going to increase the importance of each game for playoff implications, but it's also going to build a significant amount of hate. This could help renew the Battles of Alberta, Ontario, Florida, California and rivalries in so many other markets.
Do you think this schedule change would be a positive move for the league?
| POLL | ||
Do you want to see the NHL change its schedule? | ||
| Yes, I want more Divisional Games | 98 | 45.4 % |
| No, I like it how it is | 60 | 27.8 % |
| I just want good hockey | 58 | 26.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
