however they do it. the top teams in each conference should get a first round bye.
then play the winner of the 2 lowest seeded teams.
is that possible with the amount of teams??
personally. i think it should just be top 5 in each conference. top seed gets a bye. plays winner of 4 and 5 seed. then winner of that plays 2 and 3 seed.
Comcast gave way to NBC Sports..... hence why Boston's secondary Sports channel is NBC Sports Boston..... Philadelphia is NBC Sports Philadelphia (originally PRISM)Regional Sports Network, for example NESN for the Bruins, MSG Network for the Rangers, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia for the Flyers
What is the use of a bye after a 3 1/2 month layoff? If anything they need the seed series to shake off the rust.
you cant lose in round 1.What is the use of a bye after a 3 1/2 month layoff? If anything they need the seed series to shake off the rust.
no! Why would you ever want to have to win more games? The bye shortens the path. TB woulda loved a first round bye last year.
no! Why would you ever want to have to win more games? The bye shortens the path. TB woulda loved a first round bye last year.
Comcast gave way to NBC Sports..... hence why Boston's secondary Sports channel is NBC Sports Boston..... Philadelphia is NBC Sports Philadelphia (originally PRISM)
I like the round robin idea. Makes it so everyone gets the same number of games in, but it obviously means much more to those on the other side of the line, gives them a chance without inviting them to the real party where they can unfairly knock out a much higher seed right out of the gate, and gives the top seeds something better to play for than forced series against teams they will probably meet later on. Essentially, the top two teams in each of these hubs should be guaranteed to make it in, with the remaining 8 spots up for grabs, but Toronto isn't in the same spot as Montreal.31 Thoughts: How a 24-team NHL playoff structure could work - Sportsnet.ca
The 24-team playoff setup is being discussed, although, as mentioned, there is no guarantee. It would eliminate the controversies around the regular 16-team cutline, and allow the NHL a greater opportunity for regional television inventory. I’m told the magic number for many of these markets in the United States is 70. You want to play that many games on your regional network. It’s more of a challenge for teams like Pittsburgh, which deservedly gets a ton of national games.
There is some pushback on the 24. I’ve heard a few teams are upset that Chicago and Montreal will get in, especially if you’ve got to deal with a rested Carey Price in the opening round. That’s also led to a debate about what format the opening series should be — best two-of-three, or best three-of-five?
The top teams still don’t like the idea of sitting around while everyone below them gets meaningful games. It’s definitely a disadvantage. One idea that’s been thrown around is a set number of “regular-season” games among those teams in their respective hubs, but there’s a worry about “wasting” time during such uncertainty.
Here is an idea for a 24-team setup that can address some of those concerns:
METROPOLITAN HUB: Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Islanders, Columbus
ATLANTIC HUB: Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Florida, Montreal, Rangers (added as lowest seed from Metropolitan — Bruins are top-ranked in East, and should have that reward in their hub)
CENTRAL HUB: St. Louis, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Nashville, Chicago (Blackhawks stay in Central because Blues are top-ranked in West)
PACIFIC HUB: Vegas, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Arizona, Minnesota
The first round “becomes” a five-game round robin — with a handicap by standings at arrival of the pause. Based on points percentage, the seeds could be given from 10 points (first) to 0 (sixth) at the start. If you think that’s too much, maybe go from five points to zero. That way, every team that comes back gets a minimum of five games.
Top four move on to the next round, and decide if we’re dealing with best-of-five or best-of-seven from then on.
It’s different and it’s unique. Is it any good?
Habs radio is talking more about the 24 team playoff. This kind of tourney would favour a team that relies more on speed and skill than grinding down an opponent over a 7 game series. If your PP is hot you can go straight to the final
How so? The plan is to have a seed/elimination best of 3 round, then the playoffs start for real with the exact same 4 rounds, best of 7 as every other year.
They were talking about a NCAA style format I think. Single elimination