The 2025-26 NHL season is winding down and the race for the playoffs is heating up. The Eastern Conference is in flux and the Detroit Red Wings are one point out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 84 points and 12 games remaining. Meanwhile, the Western Conference has been sluggish this season, with the Los Angeles Kings remaining the first team with 73 points and 12 games remaining.
However, could the NHL adopt a similar format to the NBA? The league has been linked to a possible play-in tournament after success in the NBA over the past few years. In fact, a new rumor has revealed the NHL's stance on a play-in tournament for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't believe a play-in tournament is a good idea, despite the influence of billionaires and hockey's most powerful people, as reported by Darren Dreger on Barn Burner. The NBA's play-in tournament has been a success; However, the fanbase has shown displeasure with this.
There are a number of reasons why a play-in tournament is a good and bad idea. More drama would be added to the tournament over which NHL teams would earn the final berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs. It will also give teams outside the top 8 places in each conference an additional opportunity to make one last attempt.
However, there are many negatives to this, as the NHL playoff race is competitive most every season. If the NHL implemented a play-in tournament, it would make no sense to have 82 regular season games moving forward. Also, a team that is not even close to the playoffs can earn a spot if it ranks well below other organizations.
For now, Bateman believes the play-in tournament is not a good idea, and it would not be shocking if it never came to fruition.
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