NHLPA want to keep series-style schedule going forward according to poll
Anthony Scultore
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The NHLPA conducted it’s annual survey to which 490 players were asked to answer 14 hockey-related questions. A wide range of topics were addressed, here’s some of the key takeaways.
NHLPA Player Poll
On player related questions, 48.95% voted Alex Ovechkin as having the best shot. Patrick Kane won best stick-handler with 49.48% of votes. The widest margin of victory went to Victor Hedman as best defenseman with 64.71% of votes. While the tightest was for complete player as Sidney Crosby and Patrice Bergeron were tied with 23.78%
Best goal scorer went to Auston Matthews, and Andre Vasilevskiy was tabbed as the best goalie. Nicklas Backstrom squeaked by Patrick Kane for best passer. When it came to having one player on your team to win a game Connor McDavid took the honors.
Sidney Crosby also took home most superstitious honors and Auston Matthews was voted best dressed. The Colorado Avalanche Reverse Retros paying homage to the Quebec Nordiques won that category.
Players want to keep series-style schedules
The COVID shortened season had many changes and challenges. First and foremost, the division were realigned and the schedules were made to reduce travel and keep teams within their division. In order to do so, the NHL adopted baseball like series between teams.
In the survey, the NHLPA asked players what they thought of it. The players were opposed to seeing the regional division carrying forward by 68.2%. As for continuing series play schedules, they were in favor of it by 66.3%
So while we know that next season will be a return to the old divisions, scheduling remains up in the air. The NHL has discussed keeping series-style matchups and now they know the players want it too.