TSN Could Air NHL Tournament Games Despite Sportsnet Exclusivity

TSN “could end up with some games” when the NHL returns later this summer for its planned 24-team postseason tournament, according to Kevin McGran of the TORONTO STAR. The net likely will get some “round-robin games involving the top four teams in each conference.” TSN would “probably only be around for the first round,” as Sportsnet’s “exclusivity clause will likely kick in” when the tournament is reduced to 16 teams. That would then equate to the size of a normal postseason. One exception that could see TSN air more games is if Sportsnet “wants some help in producing what could be three games a day in two venues” (TORONTO STAR, 6/26).