Is a shortened season championship as prestigious as a full season one?

[Do Make Say Think]

It's an even playing field: all teams play the 48 regular season games and it still takes 16 wins after that to win the Stanley Cup

If things go the way I hope they will teams should be in better shape going into the playoffs and we could be in for a treat: if teams are fresher in the playoffs it could be argued that winning in such an environment is even harder (time will tell)

 

[Beville]

No.

Purely because achievements over 82 games are more impressive over 48.

 

[Holdurbreathe]

I contemplated this same question but what Bonk says is true. The real test is the playoffs, not necessarily the regular season. The regular season is there just to generate enough money to pay the players, otherwise it would probably be 48 games anyway.

While I agree with both Bonk and you in regards to the playoffs themselves, I do think a shortened season add a greater element of luck in qualifying.

But the championship still carries the same importance and meaning, and the rules are the same for 30 teams

 

[Holdurbreathe]

No.

Purely because achievements over 82 games are more impressive over 48.

I considered this as well, but playing 48 games in a compressed timeframe is a difficult feat in itself.