Divisional playoffs?

[Mauri]

Gary Bettman said that nobody likes the current playoff system. He said that NHL is seriously considering divisional playoffs which for example makes it totally possible that you collect over 130 points in regular season and still miss the playoffs and on the other hand you can make the playoffs with like 50 points.

So what do you think, should playoffs be purely seeded by divisional finishes, no matter how bad/good the division actually is? Or is the current system better?

Here's something to read from Ottawa Sun: http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/06/22/nhl-maps-out-major-changes


edit. Here's the main point:

The top four teams in each division would make the playoffs. The first round would be divisonal play, the teams would then re-seed for conference play. Bettman’s idea would not affect a East-West Stanley Cup final matchup.

With 30 teams, one division in each conference will have eight squads while the other will have seven. Under the current format — two conferences and six divisions — division winners and the top five teams make the playoffs.

“Nobody is happy with the current format so I would expect something like this is going to be adopted,” said a league executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

So my question clear and simple is: Are you happy with the current format?

 

[SkyFire47]

i'm fine with the current format with exception to the division leaders auto seeded 1-2-3.

 

[FlyerGuy22]

I wouldn't mind 2 divisions if the alignments made sense, but I don't like the idea of 4 teams automatically making it from a division

 

[timber09]

Depending on what the divisions look like, I would be all for a divisional playoff format. I like the idea of building more and more rivalries in the face of more and more player movement.

I know I know there could be some team that has more points and not make the playoffs than some playoff teams but thems the breaks - I am just fine with that.

Baseball it also talking about a similar format that would get rid of interleague play and go back to a closer format that they had years ago (with many more teams making the playoffs mind you).

 

[cards-gotta-go]

I wouldn't mind 2 divisions if the alignments made sense, but I don't like the idea of 4 teams automatically making it from a division

Do you even remember playoff hockey in the 80s?

These young kids... :foottap:

I'd love to see divisional playoff again... IF we can have the divisional names back too.

 

[FlyerGuy22]

Do you even remember playoff hockey in the 80s?

These young kids... :foottap:

I'd love to see divisional playoff again... IF we can have the divisional names back too.

Yes, but there's a big difference between this setup when you have 21 teams compared to 30 and a salary cap like we do now.

Say Boston, Montreal and Buffalo are in a division with the 5 Atlantic teams and Toronto and Ottawa are with the 5 Southeast for example. Toronto would have been in the divisional playoffs despite being the 10th seed out of 15.

 

[Metrags]

I cant stand how the MLB seedings are. Teams can dominate all year and be the third best team in the majors, but still miss the playoffs.

The current NHL system is much better, I dont know where the hate is coming from on GB's part.

 

[Mauri]

Good to see the results so far ie. how users here represents this "nobody likes the current system".

 

[will-411]

Divisional seeding is better - I'm all for it. We can see the return of true playoff rivalries. I don't really care if a 90 point team finishes fifth in their dvision while a 84 point team finishes fourth in their division and makes the playoffs. Everyone goes in knowing the rules. Also, you'll be in a better position to directly affect your standings with your play - You only have to worry about 3 point games that affect your 7 or 8 teams in your dvision instead of the 15 teams in your conference.

They are also suggesting at least home and home play with each team in the other conference. That means you get to see every team at home at least once.

Bring it on!

Cory

 

[penguinfan]

Gary Bettman said that nobody likes the current playoff system. He said that NHL is seriously considering divisional playoffs which for example makes it totally possible that you collect over 130 points in regular season and still miss the playoffs and on the other hand you can make the playoffs with like 50 points.

I would think this is already possible..I don't mind so much the division leaders getting a higher seed than say 2nd place in one division being in that seed but don't make it easy for a team that is medicore to beat out another that is well above .500 for a spot(would not care if it was the Pens..rather see them earn a spot and deserve it than have a team with 20 more wins and more regulation ties miss out)

 

[frankiefives]

I'm all for it. Bring back the divisional playoffs! Rivalries thrive in that environment!

 

[sprague11]

I miss the old Adams Division playoff series