We're not sure when exactly, but the NHL is aiming for a return in the coming months and it took a big step towards its goal on Tuesday.
Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed the league's 24-team return-to-play format which will have the top-four teams from each conference advance (but play for seedings) while the remaining 16 battle it out for a chance to officially move on to the playoffs. It's really unlike anything the NHL has ever seen and some of the players seem to be confused about how some of the annual postseason traditions are going to work.
Take Jamie Benn for example, whose Stars earned a berth as one of the top four teams in the Western Conference. He's just wondering (and so are we)... should he start growing his playoff beard now? Or wait?
How does this work?!
At least he has a bit of a head start?
In case you were wondering, here's what the current playoff picture looks like. Dallas joins Vegas, Colorado and St. Louis as the four teams who've already clinched their spot.
Maybe he should start growing it? Nah, maybe just wait until an actual date is announced. For now, you can keep trimming that thing, Jamie.
(Via: Jamie Benn)
