AHL Testing New Playoff Format

[Gugstanley]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

May be they are trying to make sure the Oilers make the playoff every.single.year.

They better let all 32 teams into the playoffs then. Maybe even allow a 33rd team just because the Oilers would still find a way to miss.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

In last year's BOA I didn't see anything indicative of the old BOA days where they were extremely intense and physical affairs. In fact I found the Flames vs Stars series as much more intense and physical.

You can thank the refs for that. It was the softest calls I have seen in the post season. Touch McDavid and you are in the box.

[Playfair]

I grew up with the 16 teams make it, first team vs. Last etc. I was totally against expanding those who could get into the playoffs until I realized that as a kid there were 21 teams. Now there are 32. Allowing more kind of makes sense from that perspective.

[bubbsy]

It would definitely mean less trades at the deadline, as more teams in it, and perhaps less teams on tank mode at least at the start of the year.

Flames fans should be scared poopless about this. The ‘just get in’ flames ownership motto will get even more intense should this happen.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

It should be noted however that no one complained about the 1v8 format. There were no calls from fans anywhere to bring back the crappy stupid division format and especially not this bastardized 1-3 plus wildcard garbage.

Sure there were. As others have said, it was supposed to reignite the regional rivalries we all loved in the 80s.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

This isn't new — it's the way the format worked last year, too. The Heat had a bye and ended up making it to the Western Conference Final.

The AHL's justification for it is they want to get as many young players valuable playoff experience as possible for their development.

I could see this as valid for a league like the AHL which, although a professional league, is primarily a development league. They also have a shorter regular season schedule, correct? It seems games range from 68-76 depending on the division.

I can't see this being acceptable or proper for the NHL. However, undermining the integrity of the game for profit? It's a good Bett to happen, man.

[powderjunkie]

Going back about 90 years, this will be only the 4th season where 50% or fewer teams qualify for the playoffs in the NHL.

The NBA system is actually great. It gives real incentive for teams to fight into the top 6, and keeps more teams in the hunt, even if it will be an uphill battle through the play-in. TDL is the lamest reason to not expand the playoffs...it's an overhyped day that rarely pays off in the short or long term. And there would still be plenty of action...currently teams just outside the bubble don't tend to sell, anyways.