please don't make this comment section hostile like the other one :(
do you guys truly think teams will lose in the play-in round on purpose if they're in a situation where they're down 3 games to 1 or they're on the verge of being swept just so they can be in the laffy sweepstakes?
example:
the leafs and jackets are playing in game 5 and the leafs are down 3 games to 1. in game five the leafs are losing 4-0 in the second period. do you think the leafs just say f it and lose that game?
Yes, they should. Teams like Minnesota, Montreal and Columbus should, they need star power. I honestly want the isles to lose the first round 2, Laf would be a game changer for us.
Yes, they should. Teams like Minnesota, Montreal and Columbus should, they need star power. I honestly want the isles to lose the first round 2, Laf would be a game changer for us.
No. These guys are professional athletes and they want to win. You only get so many chances at a cup. The play in round is a best of 5, btw (unless I missed something).
No these are pro athletes. No team or players goes into a game and hoping to lose. The GM worries about the draft. The coach and players are preparing on winning the game In front of them.
Zero chance any teams tank. These players aren't giving up their summers, and at minimum a month away from their families to go out and lose. That's just not how pro athletes are wired.
From a front office stand point, the optics are terrible. It sends a horrible message to your players, and it's only a 12.5% chance of winning, which means there's almost an 88% chance of not winning.
You might get a couple players that would be willing to lose on purpose but there is no way you get a whole team to tank on purpose. Right around 5% of the players in the top amateur leagues make it to the NHL. Most of them have too much respect for the game to loose on purpose.
The players will never quit or throw a game. Management, on the other hand, may have a say on “who’s playing” but then that won’t sit well with the players.