Quick Hits: Should the NHL Change the Playoff Format?

AROUND THE NHL

Is it time to tweak the playoff format? | TSN

The question is whether there is appetite to do so. It wasn't an official agenda matter at last week's general managers meetings in Boca Raton, Florida -- which is the platform where this kind of change would normally surface.

Having said that, during the GMs' smaller group sessions on the opening day of meetings, one of the assemblages did in fact discuss the playoff format during its "blue sky'' session. The feeling in that smaller GM group, according to a source, is that it might be time for change. But that's as far as it got.

Another GM I spoke with who wasn't in that group doesn't see what the fuss is all about right now.

"It's all cyclical. Some years some divisions are stronger,'' he said, noting that he doesn't see an obvious need for change.

It’s time to end the current playoff format. The experiment was interesting, but it’s not the best way to determine who the best team is. I understand that some folks like the rivalries, but it sucks when two of the better teams have to battle in the first round in one division and over in another it’s two mediocre teams. Don’t even get me started about all the strange wild card possibilities you could have.

Sure upsets happen and things can be cyclical, but the best way to have the two best teams in the East and West still alive by the time we get to the Conference Finals is probably the old 1 v 8, 2 v 7, etc formula. I applaud the NHL for trying something different when they realigned, but it’s time to go back.

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