The NHL chose to press pause on its season amid concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19. This is particularly tough because sports have always been a great escape from the real world, even if only for a few hours. The NHL remains optimistic that they'll be able to un pause sooner rather than later however it is looking increasingly likely that they'll simply scrap the remainder of the regular season.
If that were to be a case, there actually is a clause in the CBA that the NHL may turn to:
Just to add to this, there is a provision in the CBA that would grant the NHL the ability to have a "playoff qualification round" (needs NHLPA consent)
— Highpress Hockey (@Highpresshockey) March 12, 2020
It would be 1 round, 4 teams from each conference. Best of 3 series.
*not a lawyer so not 100% don't yell at me if Im wrong TY https://t.co/jqJ8gHwGsY pic.twitter.com/UNGom6XGGc
Assuming the NHLPA would consent (I don't see why they wouldn't), four teams from each conference would play a best of 3 series for the final 2 playoff spots in each conference.
The matchups would be as follows :
Note: The second team in each matchup would likely receive home ice advantage because of superior points/points percentage
East:
New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes
New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets
West:
Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
As far as the Sabres are concerned they should be looking to the off-season regardless of whether the league is able to finish out the regular season. They currently sit 25th in the NHL, good for the 7th highest odds in the draft lottery. I'll go more in depth in a different blog but assuming they don't win one of the three lottery spots, this is probably about the time you want to flip that pick for NHL talent. The reality is most NHL drafting is on some level a guessing game. Plenty of scouts go on the record with their two cents that can change the hype of any given draft class, but with so many variables, limited data and the fact that we are talking about under 18's, it's really hard to be certain.
With Jack Eichel in his prime, the time is now to get the Sabres off the ground floor. If this season wasn't his best career season, there's a very good chance that performance is coming in the next few years. That's the best window the Sabres will have to put together a cup winning team. Betting big on whoever they draft at 7th, 8th or 9th to be part of the core that soon may not work out for them short or long term
Speaking of drafting and the lottery, I couldn't help but notice that if the season were to be called, the Ottawa Senators would have the 2nd and 3rd best lottery odds. They've been the butt-end of a lot of jokes but soon they could add two elite talents to their rebuilding team, which already includes potential stars like Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot.
On a non hockey related note, this is a difficult time for all of us. Many already live under tremendous amounts of pressure and others struggle to cope with their anxiety even in the best of days. I'm no medical professional, so I have nothing to offer in terms of doom or reassurance but I'll say this: As important as remaining vigilant is during these times, it's also important not to forget your humanity. Many will get by just fine, but there will be plenty of people who will need help coping with what's going on around them, especially those glued to social media. All I ask is that you keep these people in mind. Maybe it's as simple as a phone call, maybe you go over to help out. I'm not sure what the correct answer is, but I know it's definitely not a free for all.
Stay healthy friends, hopefully we'll see some hockey again soon!