Big debate in my pool about this. I assume the NHL intends to play all the games. If they're dark for two weeks, they likely get all the games in, maybe a condensed schedule. But the NBA is going dark for 30 days. If this goes on much beyond that, the NHL will have to give up those games or change the playoff format to shorter (they might have to anyway).
Playing into July is one thing (two teams for the final). But if you have numerous teams pushing August, I dont see it. PA wont want to do it either. Players cant miss their vacations.
I figured worse case scenario (aside from cancelling the season) would be go with records as of final day and pro-rate, but its a good point that they could just play everyone up to 72 (or 75 even) or go backwards and take standings at 68. Or, do a play-in round with teams around the wild card. They could also condense the first round to Best of Five but teams want that playoff money.
They said players will get paid, so team owners will want to play those games. I wonder if there is insurance to reimburse teams or if the NHL will try to mitigate losses. Salary cap might change next year...escrow to go way up.