This year, the NHL revives a 50-year-old Stanley Cup Playoff tradition

In a nostalgic nod to its roots, the NHL has resurrected a beloved practice not seen since the 1960s—introducing the Stanley Cup on the ice before the game begins.

This year's playoffs have taken a thrilling turn as Commissioner Gary Bettman decided to bring back this tradition, enhancing the atmosphere and stakes from the very start.

For over six decades, the iconic trophy was shrouded in secrecy until the moment of victory, only revealed when a team clinched the championship. This change, however, allows players and fans alike to witness the "ultimate prize" as it graces the ice, reminding everyone what's at stake from the opening faceoff.

Historically, the closest the league came to this was during the 2020 playoffs, held in a secure 'bubble' due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where the cup was displayed in the stands—yet, still not as prominently as it is now. This reintroduction of the Stanley Cup to the pre-game ritual not only stirs a sense of history but also directly connects today's players and fans to the legacy of past legends.

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This strategic shift is not just a callback to tradition but a move that may reshape how players and audiences engage with the finals, infusing each match with a heightened sense of drama and anticipation.