The New York Rangers were experiencing the feeling that many college basketball teams usually experience in March. That is, they were on the bubble as to whether the Blueshirts would be included or not if the NHL decided to return to playing, which of course they did. However, what is known was that throughout the entire process, the more than likely first-round opponent was vehemently against the 24 team format. The Carolina Hurricanes were one of only two teams who voted against the now scheduled format.
Carolina’s objections and proposal
Publically, the Hurricanes had this to say for voting no: player rep Jordan Martinook and his teammates disagreed with the proposal because they felt this created a format that made their road even tougher.