ESPN NHL Analyst Ray Ferraro Realized In Real-Time How Playoffs Work

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ESPN NHL analyst Ray Ferraro spent 18 seasons playing in the NHL for six different franchises. He appeared in the playoffs in half of those seasons. Yet, it seemed like he had only just figured out how the playoffs work on Sunday during the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinal between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes.

Late in the game, ESPN showed a graphic of the NHL playoffs bracket. This was prior to Game 7 between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights, so there were nine teams still alive at the time. The Stars ultimately eliminated the Knights in overtime. 

The NHL has a total of 16 playoff teams, eight from each conference. Each team plays another team, so there are eight teams left after the first round. Then, there are four teams left. Then two, then one. 

Anyone with even the most basic understanding of sports and playoffs understands this basic fact. However, Ferraro seemed genuinely shocked to learn that there were eight teams left after the first round. 

ESPN NHL broadcaster Ray Ferraro made a really dumb comment about how playoffs work in sports during the Rangers-Hurricanes game.

(Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports)

Play-by-play broadcaster Sean McDonagh sets up Ferraro while the graphic was on the screen and says that any team remaining could win the Stanley Cup. Let's set aside the obviousness of THAT statement for a moment. 

"Man, we're down to eight-and-a-half teams. It’s really crazy to see what that first round does. It culls half of those playoff teams out of there," Ferraro replies. 

Yes, Ray, that's how the playoffs work. 

These are the guys that ESPN counts on for their biggest NHL playoff games of the season. Sean McDonagh thinks that any team left in the playoffs can win the Stanley Cup. Ray Ferraro is shocked to learn that eight teams are left after the first round. 

The "Worldwide Leader in Sports" is really living up to its name out here. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.