Two teams voted against the NHL's proposed playoff format

It seems not every team liked the playoff format proposed by the NHL's Return to Play Committee. The NHL Players' Association has accepted the format, although several other details still need to be worked out. However, two of the 31 teams represented around the table voted against the proposal. According to former long-time Sportsnet analyst Nick Kypreos, those two teams are the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.

While Kypreos did not explain why either team voted against, there are some rumours that Carolina isn't happy about having to face the up-and-coming New York Rangers in the first round. With two very capable goaltenders (three if you count Henrik Lundqvist, who will most likely be watching from the sidelines) and some deep offence, the Rangers could very likely pull off an upset against the sixth seeded Canes. As for Tampa Bay's concerns, the issues there are anyone's guess as the team gets a buy in the first round, although it would be taking on other top teams in the Eastern Conference for seeding.

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Michael Russo is reporting that the call between the NHL and the NHLPA that led to the vote on the playoff format was not all sunshine and roses. According to Russo, "there were a number of unhappy players on last night's call. Emotional issue based on a number of factors: Testing, safety, leaving families, pay and the belief this should be a full player vote, not Exec Board."

The NHL is expected to announce full details of its plan to finish out the 2019-20 season in the next few days.

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