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NHL Players Push for Return to 1-8 Playoff Format

9/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 2025-26 NHL season is nearing, with training camps set to open soon.
Players like Cale Makar and Victor Hedman want to return to the 1-8 playoff format.
Currently, the playoffs include the top three teams from each division and two wild-card teams.
Makar raises concerns about repetitive matchups and challenging first-round games.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirms no changes to the playoff format for the upcoming season.

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Story summary

The 2025-26 NHL season is nearing, with training camps set to open soon.
Players like Cale Makar and Victor Hedman want to return to the 1-8 playoff format.
Currently, the playoffs include the top three teams from each division and two wild-card teams.
Makar raises concerns about repetitive matchups and challenging first-round games.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirms no changes to the playoff format for the upcoming season.