Ten of the league’s 16 best teams are in the West. Los Angeles, like Minnesota, is at risk of missing the postseason because of the strength of the conference. One of Philadelphia or the Rangers, both projected to finish below Los Angeles by point total, is likely to get in.
What's holding the league from implementing a top 16 playoffs regardless team geography? It really should be the Top 16, period.
Forget things like travel and unbalanced schedules (which are completely valid), the best reason for divisional playoffs is rivalries.
Fans love rivalries. So do players. The economics of it all is in full agreement, but isn't even necessary.
Some rivalries were taken away with these silly divisions. Fans dislike forced rivalries and so do the players. The top 8 teams (ranked 1-8) from each conference make the playoffs. That is the best and fairest way.
Some rivalries were taken away with these silly divisions. Fans dislike forced rivalries and so do the players. The top 8 teams (ranked 1-8) from each conference make the playoffs. That is the best and fairest way.
There's nothing particularly fair about it when the schedule is division based.
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Does someone want to see a first round matchup of Calgary vs Florida? I know I don't.
Honestly, the tradeoff between variety in playoff matchups and intense rivalries is a pretty even one for me. I wouldn't mind it. The Eastern teams would never sign on, though.
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I don't like where this is trending. The only way this team can go 17-10-4 to finish the season is if they go on a 6 game winning streak at the very least as when they aren't on a winning streak they are typically a .500 team.
I don't like where this is trending. The only way this team can go 17-10-4 to finish the season is if they go on a 6 game winning streak at the very least as when they aren't on a winning streak they are typically a .500 team.
Using the weighted option on Sports club stats is loony at this point. Calgary has a 47% chance of making it in, but LA has a 77% chance? I don't think so.
