The 2020 Stanley Cup Is Not an Asterisk Cup

Too Many Teams Have Made It

The first argument i have seen towards this being an asterisk cup, is the fact that far too many teams made it. With 24 teams making it, the regular season almost seems redundant as multiple teams with losing records have made the cut. The inclusion of Chicago and Montreal especially seems to be a point of contention for many. With both having a chance to win the Stanley Cup, despite having been out with almost certainty under normal circumstances, it’s understandable that some feel their entry is illegitimate.

However, Let’s go back in time for a moment. Back to the 1974-75 season. New teams had joined the league and this demanded a new playoff format. With 18 teams now in the league, 12 teams made the playoffs. Meaning that only 6 teams missed out. In this season the Toronto Maple Leaf made the playoff with a record of 31-33-16 (the last category is ties).

When you look at today’s Montreal Canadians they have managed a much nicer record in less games played. When you look into the history of the league, this format isn’t uncharted territory. Additionally all the titles with this system all are counted in the history books without an asterisk or questions of the wins legitimacy. Some might argue against the structure and that the league should have gotten away from a flawed system like this. This is beyond the point, as this is the system we have, and it’s similar to prior playoffs, where all winners are viewed as proper and fair champions. Like the 2020 playoff winners should be viewed, as they won in a similar format as to years prior.

A Bad Team Winning Devalues The Cup

Another view thrown around is the fact that if a team from the play-in stage was to win, it would devalue the Stanley Cup. A team who wouldn’t have made it to the playoff shouldn’t have any right winning something that’s seen as one of the hardest trophies to win. Imagine if a team like Montreal goes on a hot streak, and ends up winning. If this was to happen it would be unfair to the teams 16 teams that normally would be playing playoff hockey.

First of all this is super unlikely and pure speculations of what if. It would require a play-in team making a Cinderella run that rivals that of Vegas in 2018 to make. However, I will admit that it’s far from impossible that a team with Carey Price couldn’t suddenly go on a tear. An old saying is anything can happen in the playoffs and if you’re in, you have a chance of winning. But if you ask me, that only makes the title worth far more.

The team that won has faced off against 5 of the top teams in the NHL. With the caliber of players on each team in the NHL, that is a true feat to be proud of. If you win you truly are the team who deserves the Cup with all its glory. However you might not be the best team in the NHL. That title goes to the Presidents Trophy. Because that team proved they were the best by topping the league after 71 games or so this season. That proves they were the best team this season. Like it always has done. The Stanley Cup proves is who is the best in the playoffs. Like it always has done. This season should be viewed the same, regardless of the winners.

The Top Teams Have A Disadvantage

The third take I have seen that questions the fairness of the playoff, is the fact that some teams will be going into this with a substantial advantage. This will especially be the teams from the play-in rounds, that makes it to the playoff. They have already completed a series and are in the right mindset. A mindset the top teams won’t be in, despite the NHL announcing that the top 4 teams from each conference will have to play each other for seedings in the playoff.

This is a poor excuse for an upset or lack of performance from the fanbase of good teams.When the playoff happen, players shouldn’t need extra motivation to play with intensity and willingness to do everything to win. With the added games for the seeding, the rust should be shaken off. A seeding that is far from meaningless, as it could give a team a far easier road to the cup. Therefore i feel those games should have the playoff intensity that some seem to question from said games.

Without A Full Season, Winning Isn’t The Same

Fourthly, people have suggested that a shortening and irregular season will limit the prestige of the Stanley Cup for that season. To this it’s easy to debunk it by naming the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks, who won the Stanley Cup that season. Their second of the three titles they won in the span of 5 years. They were the new dynasty of the league and a worthy winner of the season. The lockout shortened season.

Would The Cup Matter For The Winners Without Fans?

Lastly some have said that the title would be of no value, if it’s won without fans in the buildings. That winning the Cup, would lack the emotion and true worth that Lord Stanley usually has. This is probably the best argument I have seen towards it being a lesser cup that normal, as it is true that winning without fans wouldn’t be the same. The parade most likely wouldn’t be the same, and the players playing in empty arenas would stink. 

However the players will be playing for a spot among legends. They will be playing to become immortal and legends. The players are playing to get their name on the cup and spend a day with it. They will be playing to a meeting with the president and a day of parading when the events of the world allows it. And most importantly, they will be playing for the fans watching around the globe.

Fans won’t be allowed in the arenas. They are going be watching at home, on their TV’s. As a fan of a team that’s made the playoffs, I’ll say this…people can add whatever asterisk to the Cup or call it fake, but if my team wins the Cup, i will be the happiest fan alive. The glory stands regardless of the circumstances and even more so for the players.

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