The Blackhawks could face the Oilers in a 24-team conference-based playoff setup, according to a report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The discussed playoff format will need to be approved by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association to move forward.
Friedman notes the top four seeds (based on points percentage) in the Eastern and Western Conferences would receive byes through a play-in round, but play in a three-game tournament.
In this scenario, the Blackhawks would be the No. 12 seed and face the No. 5 Oilers to play the No. 4 Stars in the next round.