Quote:
Originally Posted by Philly06Cup
The format for the first round is well understood. In each division #2 plays #3, with the higher #1 playing the lowest wildcard. One could argue that if 4 teams from each division make the playoffs (as opposed to a 5-3 split), the format should dictate #1 play #4 and #2 play #3 for each division, to increase divisional rivalries.
My question is about the second round. How are pairings set? NHL.com is silent on this subject. A recent CBC source states "In each conference, the highest remaining seed plays the lowest remaining seeds, and the other two teams meet." Other sources, like TSN, date back to last year, and mention a 'Divisional Champsionship' in the second round, implying a bracket format without reseeding.
Is there a consensus on second round pairings? Is it possible the NHL hasn't even decided how they want to do pairings, and will decide closer to the playoffs?
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You stay "in division" for the first two rounds regardless of the seeding of Rd. 1 winners. Then division "winners" play each other in the WCF/ECF and those winners play for the cup.