And then there were four. As the hockey world awaits the announcement of the two cities that will serve as hubs for the NHL's 24-team playoff format, the list seems to have been narrowed down again.
On Tuesday morning, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that Chicago is among the four final cities under consideration for hosting duties. They join Edmonton, Toronto and Las Vegas.
Los Angeles would be the most recent city cut. Vancouver, Columbus, Dallas, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Pittsburgh were out of the running earlier.
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The NHL is targeting a July 10 start of formal training camps for teams leading up to the 24-team playoff format that has the Blackhawks taking on the Oilers in a best-of-5 play-in round.
If Chicago were to become a Hub City for the postseason, it's unlikely the Hawks would play near their home base, depending on which other city is chosen. The league wanted to do away with any potential home-ice advantage.
Report: Chicago one of four finalists to be NHL Hub City when hockey returns originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
