- Nov 17, 2011
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In the midst of yesterday's broadcast news posts, there was a news clip which stated that the NHL offered GMs 2 choices on next year's schedule. I hope it's ok to put this here, because it does affect finances of the clubs. In fact, finances are the way this will probably be decided.
First of all, these are under the assumption that the pre-COVID alignment is possible.
The 2 choices:
A) 2 Conferences, 4 Divisions. Vs other conference...2 games each team. Vs other Division in your conference...3 games each team. Vs your division...4 games v 5 teams, 3 games v 2 teams.
Since this matrix squashes out the specialness of the division, the playoffs would likely be conference based in some way. (Note that in this arrangement, the Wild might play 3 games with Vegas, but also 3 games with Winnipeg. This is what I mean by the matrix suppresses the specialness of the divisions.)
B) 4 Divisions. No conferences. Vs all other divisions..2 games each (48). Vs own division...4 games (28). 6 remaining games for 'special scheduling'.
Playoffs likely to be division based.
These 2 options explain what I have said for a long time. The Eastern Time Zone teams would do well with option A. But, the other 16 clubs will likely prefer option B (exception to be Arizona), due to travel concerns.
I'm curious as to whether anyone has special insight here, or comments.
First of all, these are under the assumption that the pre-COVID alignment is possible.
The 2 choices:
A) 2 Conferences, 4 Divisions. Vs other conference...2 games each team. Vs other Division in your conference...3 games each team. Vs your division...4 games v 5 teams, 3 games v 2 teams.
Since this matrix squashes out the specialness of the division, the playoffs would likely be conference based in some way. (Note that in this arrangement, the Wild might play 3 games with Vegas, but also 3 games with Winnipeg. This is what I mean by the matrix suppresses the specialness of the divisions.)
B) 4 Divisions. No conferences. Vs all other divisions..2 games each (48). Vs own division...4 games (28). 6 remaining games for 'special scheduling'.
Playoffs likely to be division based.
These 2 options explain what I have said for a long time. The Eastern Time Zone teams would do well with option A. But, the other 16 clubs will likely prefer option B (exception to be Arizona), due to travel concerns.
I'm curious as to whether anyone has special insight here, or comments.