NHL PLAYOFF FORMAT

  Can anyone out there explain the theory behind the team seeding for NHL playoffs that makes sense, because I have no idea what's going on. When 32 teams make the playoffs, why would you match up 4 of top 6 teams in the league against each other in the first round? Why would teams with less points get an easier series in the first round. Why does the league not re sed the teams after the season ends. Not sure what teams or owners agreed to this, but the playoff format this league uses is foolish by rewarding mediocrity and punishing excellence.. A Pittsburgh/Philadelphia or Anaheim/Vegas first round matchup seems irrelevant, when four 100+ point teams face off  with Dallas vs Minnesota + Tampa Bay vs Montreal. Buffalo, the eastern conference leader matches up with Boston, when there are 2 other teams with less points playing each other. Why are the teams not re -seeded based on points before the playoffs begin? What's the point of ending a playoff teams season early using a format that blatantly eliminates good teams in the first round? How can this determine a true champion when the road to the cup was not taken through the toughest possible schedule or matchup. Teams with less points should never have an easier matchup in the playoffs. No doubt, the Stanley Cup is the best and toughest trophy to win in sports but this playoff format is ridiculous. Once Bettman eventually steps down, this should be the first issue the league addresses. I would reseed the entire league , with 1 seed playing 32 seed, 2 seed playing the 31 seed, 3 seed plays the 30 seed and so on.. The NHL is brain dead..

Actually its only 16 teams that make the playoffs..

This would be your 1st round matchup if the entire league was reseeded by conference by POINTS.

WEST

Colorado vs Los Angeles

Dallas vs Anaheim

Minnesota vs Vegas

Edmonton vs Utah

EAST

Carolina vs vs Philadelphia

Buffalo vs Ottawa

Montreal vs Boston

Tampa vs Pittsburgh

Gary said he wants rivalries each year in the playoffs, plus league was worried about the 1/8 series not getting TV views. Most hockey fans want to return to the 1-8 format but money and Gary talks. I just hope not to get another Kings/Oil series..I am tired of that one. 

Bettman is hell bent on doing the opposite of want the majority wants.  Playoff system is a joke

Yep - Doc 100%.  Is it working?  Does not look like it, however we do have some potentially intriguing "possible" matchups... 

In East, Pens and Gritties will be fun to watch if Philly can hang in there.  Canes could face the Broons, or maybe even Habs facing Broons Round 1.  Buff and Ottowa would be as good a series as any.  East is going to be fun and lots of long series.

West would have a few clunkers like LA/Oil or Avs/LA.  Preds have started to gel and if Saros can get hot, not a team I'd want to face Round 1.  Pacific wont be decided until the last night IMO, so who knows what the match-ups will be, except DAL/MIN which is a shame.

Is what it is QB - it's still NHL Playoff hockey, and is hands down the most exciting post-season sport of any major sport.

The Top 3 teams from each of the 4 divisions, Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central and Pacific, qualify which is 12 teams, the remaining 4 spots go to Wild Cards, the next two highest Points teams in the Conference regardless of the division.  This means one division "could" send up to 5 teams to the Playoffs while the other sends only 3.  

1st rnd is best of 7 series;

Within each division, 2nd team plays 3rd team, (2nd gets home ice) 

Each div winner (1st place) plays a wild card team, the higher point division winner faces the lower point wild card team.

The Bracket is fixed, so no reseeding after rounds. Division Winners Bracket side vs the 2-3 winner fromthe same division. 

Home ice throughout the first two rounds goes to the higher seed, 2-2-1-1-1 format. 

The NHL wants to promote rivalries with this format, it reduces travel.

The Nhl has made over 25 changes historically to the playoff format.  This format is criticised for not giving the "best " teams the easiest path in the playoffs and doesnt seem to reward their seasonal success.