I don't think 2 extra games is all that big of a deal. Injuries happen. So they happen in game 3 of a preseason game or in game 14 of the regular season.
I kind of like the extra 2 games meaning something.
Maybe some team is so far out in front, they rest their players the last 2 games. Or some team gets hot, and needs one more win to make the playoffs, and will have 2 games to do it, otherwise they miss out. This will get fans more excited.
With all the new rules about player safety. Maybe that what is hurting players more than just allowing them to be play. As they try so hard not get a penalty they get hurt instead.
Just a different viewpoint. And the team is not making anymore money from 18 games and 2 PS, or 16 games and 4 PS. The ticket prices are the same. And are prepaid mostly by season ticket holders. They miss out from some concession sales. It is for the advertisement money mostly.
And if they start the season a week earlier, and it runs a week later. And if they add another bye week as well. That is 3 weeks less of an already too long off-season.