Gary Bettman, love him or hate him has done a lot for the game of hockey as a business. He's a money making machine for the NHL. I never thought I'd see the day that he would walk away from more potential money. That day is here though and I agree with him(kind of)
It appears some owners want to expand the playoff format in order to drive revenue, Bettman is having none of it, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on the 32 thoughts podcast, take a look
I can't say I'm a big fan of expanding the playoff format in this way, but, it's obvious the league is struggling as is evident by the salary cap going up by only 1 million next season, if this was a way to get rid of advertisements on jerseys and helmets then I would be for it.
In saying that, I think an expanded playoff format would water down the on ice product. Playoff hockey is the most entertaining for a reason, if more teams made the post season, it would make it less of an achievement.
