Philadelphia Flyers: NHL officially announces return to play format

With the announcement now official, the league will move straight to the playoffs. The Flyers will play for first round seeding.

It was announced early this evening that the NHL will go straight to the playoffs with a 24-team tournament. Guidelines were also laid out for how teams will return and who and when they will play. For the Flyers, their place in the league has earned them a spot in the top four of the conference.

With that top spot, they will play to earn the number one seed in the conference. They will be playing along with the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals. Regular season overtime rules will be in effect for these matchups.

Before all of this can happen, the league must go through the proper phases to return. In early June, players are expected to be able to return to their home facilities to train.

No earlier than the beginning of July, teams will then be able to hold formal training camps. Guidance from medical and civil authorities will be needed to do so.

After that is completed, the 24 teams will head to two separate host cities to compete in the Seeding Round Robins, Qualifying Round and Conference-based playoffs.

There are currently a group of 10 cities that are in the mix to be hosts. They include cities such Chicago, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and Toronto. The Flyers are not among the cities up for consideration.

In the two cities that end up as hosts, teams will be limited to 50 personnel allowed. They will have secure hotels, arenas, practice facilities and transportation.

These sites will be determined at a later date and in accordance with government regulations.

Also announced was the Draft Lottery. It will be concluded prior to the Qualifying Round. This is something the Flyers will not have to worry about as they playoff spot doesn’t allow them to take place in the event.

Teams that are not in the playoffs or who lose in the play-in round will take place in the lottery.

With all of that being said, the NHL will still be monitoring the current situation as these potential dates approach. But for right now, we have a good idea on when the Flyers and the rest of the NHL will be returning.

The Flyers received their own news earlier when it came out that they could resume training in Voorhees whenever possible. It may not end up happening with these host cities, but it is an available option for them.

All the details on the return to play format and the lottery can be found here.