BLOG: NHL Announces Approval of 24-Team Playoff Format

On Tuesday afternoon, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the NHL and the National Hockey League Players Association's (NHLPA) Return to Play plan has been green lit by the NHL's Board of Governors.

The plan is a 24-team playoff format. On May 22nd, the NHLPA voted on the format passing with a majority 29-2 vote by the 31 NHL team players representatives.

The announcement also identified the 24 teams will "vie for the Stanley Cup at two "hub" cities beginning later this summer."

"At the pause, we committed to resuming play only when appropriate and prudent," said
Commissioner Gary Bettman. "We are hopeful the Return To Play Plan will allow us to complete
the season and award the Stanley Cup in a manner in which the health and safety of our players,on-ice officials, team staff and associated individuals involved are paramount."