Should there be a qualifying round for the playoffs, if the standings are really close?

[GAGLine]

Half is the lowest number it's ever been.

And it's enough. Every round of the playoffs reduces the remaining teams by half. It makes perfect sense that the regular season does the same.

 

[SheldonJPlankton]

This is literally the worst idea I've ever heard in regards to playoffs qualification.

You don't change the rules based on how close standings are - that's stupid.

I wouldn't mind a "play-in" round, but if you do that - you do it always, no matter what, not only if points are close

Agreed.

Changing the rules based on "closeness" sounds a lot like "handshake respect".

Fluff without substance.

 

[BraveCanadian]

I'm in for anything that could extend the NHL season even lonnnnnnger.

 

[Cup or Bust]

Teams know 82 games in advance what they need to do to make the playoffs. I don't think they deserve a bonus chance because they failed to achieve something they have all season to do.

 

[Mattilaus]

Fan of a team that has been on the outside for 13 years. No.

 

[Albatros]

No. 82 games are already way too many as it is. Try win a few more of those next time.

 

[ijuka]

No, they should just scrap this terrible system that favors OTSO specialist teams over regulation teams.

 

[CanMerc]

I’d rather see the bottom 4 teams play for the 1st OA pick…just a 1 game each lvl thing,
So taking this seasons standings…
Game 1: Columbus plays SJ
Game 2: Anaheim plays Chicago
Game 3: winner of game 1 plays winner of game 2
Winner of game 3 gets 1st OA
Loser of Game 3 gets 2nd OA
Rest of top 10 is done by lottery as current system
Remainder is per the end of season standings

 

[Golden_Jet]

93% say no, leave it at 16. Smart folks.

 

[Voight]

Please none of this NBA style crap.

If you rent good enough over the course of 82 games then too bad. It's not like the season is 16 games and a few bad weeks can tank your chances.

 

[Kingfan1967]

A 32 team playoff format would more than double overall playoff revenue and would rewards the 'Cup contenders with additional funds while giving much needed additional money to the bottom teams.

Everybody wins.

32 team preliminary round , 16 winners advance , but the 16 losers play another round for 8 winners , the pr 8 losers play again for 4 more advances , then another round to finally eliminate 2 teams , repeat as necessary until there is a Cup Champ , 3 years later , but think of all the revenue

 

[JoVel]

Do we really want to make the regular season even more meaningless than it currently is?

 

[spiny norman]

Lopsided result.