As the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff season comes to a close for many teams, the phrase "golf season" is being uttered by fans and pundits alike. This tongue-in-cheek term refers to the time of year when hockey enthusiasts, disappointed by their team's early exit from the playoffs, turn their attention to the sport of golf. With the NHL's 32-team playoff format, a number of top-seeded teams have fallen short of expectations, leaving some to wonder if the league's competitive balance is truly as level as it seems. As the golf clubs come out and the hockey gear gets packed away, one thing is certain: the NHL's "golf season" has officially begun, and it's a time of reflection and analysis for fans and teams alike.
Early NHL Playoff Exits Fuel Hockey’s ‘Golf Season’ Forbes