KHL extends suspension of playoffs

A change of mind for the league

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
KHL extends suspension of playoffs
Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS via ZUMA Press

Now there is truly no high-level professional hockey taking place anywhere on the globe. After the withdrawal of the two remaining teams in the KHL playoffs not based in Russia (Jokerit-Finland, Barys-Kazakhstan), the KHL said it was breaking for a week to restructure the playoff picture and would then continue with the six Russian teams left. An announcement today extends that suspension for another few weeks. 

In a release, the KHL states: "Taking into account the current pubic health situation, the KHL has decided to suspend the Gagarin Cup playoffs in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Sport and the decisions of regional authorities.

If, by April 10, the present restrictions are lifted or eased, the KHL will be ready to continue with the playoffs. In that event, the format and timetable for the revised season will be announced on the league’s official online resources." 

"The KHL always puts its supporters and players first," said league president Alexei Morozov. "Today, we, along with the Russian Premier League (football) and the VTB United League (basketball) took an important decision for everyone--we will suspend our competitions until April 10th." 

The KHL played the first round of the playoffs without any spectators in the stands. It was a best three-of-five format. So far, there's no exact word on how it will determine which of the three remaining teams will get an automatic bye to the finals after the next round. The final six teams remaining are CSKA, Ak Bars, SKA, Dynamo Moscow, Sibir and Salavat Yulaev. 

Source: KHL