Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
AND they're not pitted against Anaheim.
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It's actually amazing how the difference between 3rd in division and top wild card (probably only a one point difference), is the difference between
a) playing a team that will likely be within two points of yours - a pick 'em playoff matchup
b) playing Nashville or Anaheim, teams far ahead in the standings and a heavy favourite to beat you in the playoffs
Not sure if the NHL intended it this way when they re-jigged the playoff format but here we are. It used to be about getting in the playoffs and nothing more, as finishing 7th vs 8th basically drew you an equally tough matchup. Even 6th or 5th wasn't much better except in years where the 3rd seed came from a weak division.
Now the difference between 3rd and 4th in division is the difference between playing, say San Jose in the playoffs or Vancouver, or playing Chicago or Anaheim. That's unreal.
So again. Screw the Central teams. Winnipeg. Minnesota. Who cares.
This is about finishing top 3 in the division. Beat two of Vancouver, LA, San Jose and mission accomplished. Beat all three and you get home ice advantage.