Here is my prediction of how this goes down in a few weeks:
4 Divisions and 2 Conferences:
Division A
Vancouver
San Jose
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Edmonton
Calgary
Phoenix
Colorado
Division B
Winnipeg
Minnesota
Chicago
St. Louis
Detroit
Nashville
Dallas
Both Div A & B in Western Conference, so 15 teams total in the West.
Division C
Toronto
Ottawa
Montreal
Boston
Buffalo
New York
Brooklyn
New Jersey
Division D
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington
Carolina
Tampa Bay
Florida
Columbus
Both Divisions C and D in Eastern Conference for a total of 15 teams.
Playoff format is as follows:
4 teams from each division make the playoffs. If 5th place team in 8 team division has more points than the 4th place team in the other division within the same conference, then they cross over into other division's playoffs.
After division playoffs are completed, each Conference playoffs between division champions occurs with the Campbell/Wales trophies on the line.
Conference champs then compete for Stanley Cup.
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