lets pretend for a second that both conferences are 15 teams with 6 divisions of 5 (i preferred this way) so its easier to do:
15 games against the other conference (1 game each)
20 games against the other same conference divisions (2 games each)
20 games against your own division (4 games each)
55 games
this new stupid format makes things so unorganized and random.
I prefer this or either the once against each team at home and away model you have in many European competitions, but that would make conferences and divisions rather pointless.
I agree that playing less often (also against each other) increases the importance. I really prefer the 1-2 games a week you have in soccer, rugby, American football. I do wonder if that also has helped them become as popular as they are?
It also makes it easier to follow teams other than your own or keep up with the league overall. I really wanted to get into hockey (again) earlier, but with the high amount of games, it's difficult to follow, especially if you also have other things to do.
Having a winter sport end in summer also makes no sense to anyone who isn't used to it.
I'd also like it if the World Championships were more important.
I liked it when the NBA still had best of 5 for the first round.