Are the Flyers Back? A Tournament for the Cup

The National Hockey League looks like they are poised to make a return to live professional sports.

On March 12, the NHL, like other professional live sports, was forced to suspend the 2019-20 season because of the COVID-19 outbreak. As time proceeded to move on, it became inevitable that the league would have to come up with a different arrangement to award a team with the 2020 Stanley Cup.

A 24-team tournament makes the decision easier, allowing clubs that were on the playoff bubble with games left in the regular-season a chance to compete for the coveted Cup.

This would allow the top 12 teams in each division to square off for the greatest prize in hockey. Rumors have the top 4 teams in each division getting a bye while 4 through 8 square-off. Possible round-robin tournament for the top 4 teams for seeding purposes as well as allowing them to get back into hockey shape. Ultimately ending off with a NHL Finals of the best 2 teams in each division.

The NHLPA announced Friday night that it has agreed on the principle of a 24-team format in hopes of resuming the NHL season and eventually awarding the Stanley Cup:

As for the exact specifics of how the 24-team format will be held, there has been no announcement from the league. Hopefully we will hear more over the weekend into the next week. #FlyorDie

For more Philly sports coverage click here.