NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "is pushing for an
accelerated" '99 playoff schedule that would include pairs
of back-to-back matches in each of the first two rounds of
the Stanley Cup playoffs, and is also "supporting less lag
time between rounds, though re-seeding makes that a more
difficult task," according to Larry Brooks of the N.Y. POST.
In addition, Bettman has warned that the league "will no
longer tolerate teams that ignore NHL bylaws by scheduling
extraneous events" in their arenas on dates "that are
required to be held for the playoffs." Brooks added that
fines will be levied on teams for failing to comply, "and,
even more critically, possible forfeiture of the home games
affected by the unavailability of the arena." Bettman is
"certain" to lobby for an earlier start and finish for the
'99-2000 season, though Brooks claimed that could be "easier
said than done," as "many" members of the league's Board of
Governors want the season to start no earlier than October
15. Brooks added that Bettman's "work on next year's
schedule indicates his heart is clearly in the right place.
Truth be told, it usually is" (N.Y. POST, 7/12).
LOCKOUT = OPPORTUNITY: The Bruins' Ken Baumgartner, who
serves as NHLPA VP, said that a long NBA lockout could help
the NHL. Baumgartner said the league soon will "have to
step forward and live up to this promise we've had the last
five years. You can only have the tag, 'The next great
sport,' for so long. Maybe this is the opportunity we need.
... It's a great game. It's just been difficult nationwide
getting people hooked on the game" (BOSTON HERALD, 7/12).
