The latest NHL return-to-play scenario being discussed in multiple reports would include 24 teams, but rather than start with a round-robin tournament, as reported last weekend, the league would go straight into the playoffs and give eight teams first-round byes.
One of those teams: the Washington Capitals.
According to reports from Sportsnet and ESPN, the league and the players’ association are looking at a format that will include the top 12 teams from each conference based on points percentage through March 12, when the season was suspended.
The top four teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences would get byes, while the No.