Quote:
Originally Posted by Tsawwassen
Here we go again. First off, Winnipeg and Columbus should switch but Bettman's a butthead doesn't want to do the simple thing. Now Dallas should switch divisions with Vancouver, that would make both teams in a better timezone situation and in turn make the Wild happy too. There is nothing wrong with the 6 division set up. Common sense doesn't exist with Bettman. Play all in division teams 5 or 6 times, then play all the rest of the in conference teams 3 times, then all 15 out of conference teams twice.
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I'm very critical of what Bettman has done but the proposal realignment is not one of them. It is the most logical way to move forward considering where teams are located throughout the continent. Bringing back divisional playoffs is a great idea because it will create stronger rivalries. And when you've got stronger rivalries increasing the number of divisional games per season will increase interest. It has teams playing more games within an hour of their time zone.
Moving Winnipeg out for a team in the Central is not the best solution. Why should Winnipeg be in the Central instead of Minnesota or Dallas? Why would Vancouver want to be moved out of the same division as their long time rivals in Alberta? And if you keep the four Western Canadian teams in the same division it would be make the only American team in that division (Colorado) unhappy.
Moving to four groupings makes the most sense. And if the league expands (probably to Ontario and Quebec) then you can slots those franchises into the easternmost divisions.