NHL: Is Thanksgiving the ideal cut-off for the Playoffs? Analysis and debate

Is Thanksgiving the right time to talk about NHL playoffs?

The conversation about playoff positioning on Thanksgiving Day in the NHL is a recurring topic. The idea, attributed to NHL executive Ken Holland, is based on the premise that if a team is in a playoff position by Thanksgiving Day, they are likely to make the postseason. Historically, 77.1% of NHL teams in a playoff position on Thanksgiving Day have made the postseason from the 2005-06 season through last season. However, this season could be different. In the last 10 seasons (excluding the COVID-affected season), the average difference between the top and bottom of the Eastern Conference was 20.4 points, and in the West, 20.5 points, giving an NHL average of 20.45 points. If the current eight-point gap in the East holds in the coming days, it would be the smallest gap in any conference on Thanksgiving in the last decade. Despite that smaller gap, six of eight teams in playoff position on Thanksgiving made it to the spring. This suggests that, while history indicates that the 77.1% success rate will be maintained, the tight standings in the East could generate greater uncertainty and more changes than usual.

Why not postpone the discussion about the playoffs until a later date? We don’t need to crowd Thanksgiving. Let it have its day.

Alofoke Deportes

The proposal is to move the analysis of the playoffs to the beginning of December, which would allow teams to play one to three more games. This would give more time to assess the playoff situation and would prevent the conversation about the playoffs from overlapping with the Thanksgiving holidays. The author suggests that the first Monday of December be the new deadline for playoff predictions and analysis.

Matches of the week

The NHL’s Thanksgiving week is unique, with 15 games on Wednesday and another 15 on Friday. Friday presents a full day of hockey, starting at noon ET and culminating with two games at 8 p.m. ET.

Here is the ranking of the 15 matches from Friday:

• New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins: 1 p.m. ET, TNT.
• Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Montreal Canadiens vs. Vegas Golden Knights: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network.
• Utah Mammoth vs. Dallas Stars: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Islanders: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Winnipeg Jets vs. Carolina Hurricanes: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Ottawa Senators vs. St. Louis Blues: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.
• Calgary Flames vs. Florida Panthers: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+.

What I loved this weekend

The New York Islanders defenseman, Matthew Schaefer, has proven to be an exciting player to watch in his early career years. His ability to anticipate plays, his skating, and his intelligent positioning set him apart. The author compares his ability to take the puck away from opponents to the ease with which Cale Makar does it.

Hart Trophy Candidates if the Season Ended Today

Nathan MacKinnon could be a Hart Trophy contender all season long, with 37 points and 17 goals in 22 games. Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard are also emerging as contenders, creating an interesting dynamic with established superstars. The author enjoys the competition for the lead in points and considers it a great story of the season.

Social Media Post of the Week

Matthew Schaefer showed great fortitude during Cancer Awareness Day at UBS Arena. Touching posts from Sydney Esiason Martin highlighted Schaefer’s impact on children. Also noteworthy is the interaction of Grant Joseph and his daughter Skyla, who created fun videos.

Title of the publication

Acknowledgements

The Islanders’ work in the Fight Against Cancer game and the participation of the children are highlighted. Brayden Schenn is recognized for helping the children take photos and Mathieu Darche for holding a special press conference. The importance of seeing acts of kindness in person during Cancer Awareness Month is emphasized. The Islanders’ charitable initiatives are mentioned, offering unique experiences to auction winners.