By Max Burgin
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan is reporting that the NHL is planning three games a day in each of the hub cities: 12 pm, 4pm & 8pm. Given the two hour difference between Toronto & Edmonton, should be a viewer’s dream.
The NHL has set Aug. 1 as the start date of the qualifying round, which includes the round robin featuring the Flyers, Bruins, Lightning and Capitals. July 13 is when clubs are scheduled to open formal training camp at their respective practice facilities and July 26 is when clubs are expected to travel to their respective hub city. Exhibition games will be played prior to the qualifying round.
Here are the East’s qualifying-round matchups (best-of-five series) and seed Nos. 1-12.
No. 8 Maple Leafs vs. No. 9 Blue Jackets
No. 7 Islanders vs. No. 10 Panthers
No. 6 Hurricanes vs. No. 11 Rangers
No. 5 Penguins vs. No. 12 Canadiens
1. Bruins
2. Lightning
3. Capitals
4. FLYERS
5. Penguins
6. Hurricanes
7. Islanders
8. Maple Leafs
9. Blue Jackets
10. Panthers
11. Rangers
12. Canadiens
The Flyers went 29-17-7 against the NHL's 24-team field during the regular season. pic.twitter.com/Njf976liJ9
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) June 10, 2020
