The idea of a playoff format modeled after the NCAA's March Madness has been bounced around by some players, garnering support from P.K. Subban. This playoff style would involve all 31 teams, which would require more players and staff to potentially be exposed to health risks. In his conversation with Dreger, Crosby emphasized the importance of focusing on health and safety during this time.
Crosby told Dreger that he would prefer a 24-team format instead. This could potentially include the top 12 teams in each conference or the top 6 teams in each division. This would give teams opportunities to play more games and would keep the structure of a more traditional playoff format.
The NHL has not yet made any decisions on how the season will continue or when. Like Crosby, the NHL and NHLPA are weighing the options to determine the safest and most effective way to finish out the season.
| POLL | ||
MAI 13 | 216 ANSWERS Sidney Crosby weighs in on possible playoff formats Which playoff format would you prefer to see? | ||
| March Madness Style | 117 | 54.2 % |
| 24 Teams | 99 | 45.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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YESTERDAY
MAY 16, 2026
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| G | A | PTS | ||
| Rasmus Dahlin | 1 | 4 | 5 | |
| Tage Thompson | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jack Quinn | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Zach Benson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jake Evans | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jason Zucker | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Ivan Demidov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Konsta Helenius | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Zach Metsa | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Arber Xhekaj | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Bowen Byram | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Cole Caufield | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Lane Hutson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Michael Matheson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Ryan McLeod | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Josh Norris | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Mattias Samuelsson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Josh Anderson | - | - | - | |
| Zachary Bolduc | - | - | - | |
| Alexandre Carrier | - | - | - | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||