{
  "id": 6214933,
  "title": "The NHL is expanding. It’s time for the playoff format to do the same",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/the-nhl-is-expanding-its-time-for-the-playoff-format-to-do-the-same",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T02:07:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nhl-expanding-time-playoff-format-020746525.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NHL, now comprised of 32 teams, maintains a playoff format with 16 teams, leaving half of the fan bases without postseason representation every year. This stagnant structure has caused a decline in hockey registrations, particularly in markets like Michigan where teams such as the Detroit Red Wings have not qualified for the playoffs since 2016. Commissioner Gary Bettman defends the current playoff system, citing its popularity and the high-quality first round it generates. However, the author argues that the league should adopt a playoff expansion, similar to the NBA's play-in round, to increase the number of teams qualifying for the postseason and reignite fan hope. The author suggests a multi-game series for the play-in round, allowing more teams to compete and generating additional revenue for the league.",
  "summary": "A team with a .325 point percentage once made the playoffs. Now, a .579 isn’t good enough.",
  "key_points": [
    "NHL has 32 teams but playoff format includes only 16 teams",
    "Decline in hockey registrations in markets without playoff representation",
    "Author suggests adopting play-in round like NBA to expand playoffs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}