The Board of Governors has approved the following year's enlarged playoffs
This morning, the American Hockey League (AHL) has solidified its recent approach to the postseason by voting to maintain an expanded 23-team playoff format for the upcoming season.
This decision comes after two seasons of utilizing this larger format as a financial recovery strategy post-Covid, which has evidently been well-received by teams and owners alike. The setup will remain until a more permanent resolution is addressed in the next collective bargaining agreement.
The trend of expanding playoffs isn't limited to the AHL; it reflects a broader shift across sports leagues aiming to include more teams, play more games, and ultimately, generate more revenue. The decision by the AHL could be seen as a bellwether for similar adaptations in other leagues, including the NHL, though this has been met with resistance in the past.
Just two years ago, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman firmly rejected the idea of an expanded playoff format. He argued that the exclusivity of the playoffs should be preserved, stating:
This sentiment echoes a traditionalist view, suggesting that a tighter playoff race enhances the value and competitive spirit of regular-season games.
Despite Bettman's stance, the success of the AHL's expanded playoffs could potentially sway future decisions for the NHL. Fans who are eager to see their favorite teams extend their seasons into the playoffs might find merit in Bettman's rare concession if it leads to increased excitement and league revenue.
The AHL's ongoing experiment with expanded playoffs is a critical case study in balancing tradition with innovation. As it stands, the success of this format could set a precedent not just for hockey, but for sports leagues contemplating similar expansions. As we watch the AHL this coming season, the broader implications for the NHL and other leagues will be a significant point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Source: BR Open Ice
AHL confirms expanded playoffs again
| POLL | ||
Would you also like the NHL to have longer playoffs? | ||
| Yes, need more teams in | 19 | 9.3 % |
| No, it's perfect as is | 179 | 87.3 % |
| See Results | 7 | 3.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
