Alex Killorn reveals why Tampa Bay voted against the 24-team playoff format

While there are still several details to be worked out, we know the organization representing NHL players (NHLPA) has accepted the league's 24-team playoff format proposal. However, it was recently revealed that two teams voted against it: Tampa Bay and Carolina. The Lightning's player representative, Alex Killorn, has now revealed why his team was not in favour of the format.

“I brought the format to my team,” Killorn said via text to Athletic reporter Joe Smith. “They didn't feel it was fair that certain teams that probably wouldn't have made the playoffs would have a chance to make the playoffs in a best-of-five series. My team also felt it was unfair that the teams with a bye would not be as well prepared for a playoff series as the teams that had already basically played a playoff series to get into the playoffs."

“This was not my opinion alone. As the PA rep I have a duty to represent the voice of my entire team. I don't want people to think that we don't want to play. Everyone on our team wants to play. In saying that, we are fine with the vote the PA took and we are ready with it going forward.”

Whether you agree with his points or not, it's likely that every other representative around the table shared those concerns in some fashion, even if just two teams voted no. As for Carolina, there's speculation the sixth seeded team wasn't interested in facing the New York Rangers in the opening round given the team's upswing as the season went on.

As for further concerns, Killorn says the idea of having to be away from family for months at a time is not something players are looking forward to, but they are willing to do what is required to make the situation work.

"It's going to be tough to be away, and we don't know how long we'll be away,” Killorn said. “We'll be somewhere that's foreign, but, like I said, no one is going to be in a comfortable situation. You don't know how many chances you're going to get at winning this (Stanley Cup), especially when you have a team that you think can compete for it. So you're willing to make whatever sacrifices you need to do that.”

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