Quote:
Originally Posted by Caged Great
This system basically rewards the division winners as they'll have a more easy time with the wild card team and then have to face the winner of two teams who went to war with each other. If the 2nd/3rd place team manages to make it to the conference finals, they're typically at a disadvantage as the other division winner is likely well rested.
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Sometimes it doesn't play out this way. For example this year the Penguins might be a wildcard team and often that 8th seed is on a winning streak and it carries into round one.
Good points made by others on my earlier post re getting a bye from a series. And round one in the NHL is often the best hockey for the fans as well. But giving the division winner something of an upper hand for winning the division title should be considered.