“It’s the stupidest thing ever.” This was Washington Capitals’ forward Daniel Winnik’s review in 2017 of the NHL’s still (somewhat) newplayoff format. Three seasons earlier, along with realigning its divisions, the NHL had abandoned it’s previous, simple playoff arrangement. For 20 years, the top eight teams from each conference qualified for the playoffs, with the first-placed team playing the eighth-placed team, the second-placed team played the seventh, and so on. “I don’t know why it’s not one to eight,” Winnik said. “I don’t know why we got away from that.” A lot of people are still asking the same question.On Sunday, as the NHL locked in its first Western conference playoff matchup, confirming that the Dallas Stars will face the Colorado Avalanche, some fans took to online forums to both celebrate and lament. “Anybody else hate the divisional format? I truly think both of these teams are legit contenders,” one userposted to the r/hockey subredditunder a link announcing the matchup. “Pretty sure literally everyone does,” anotherresponded. Indeed, it seems unfair that one of the top teams in the West will be eliminated so soon into the postseason. Worse, is that, thanks in part to the playoff format, fans have seen this matchup coming for ages – a predictability that is supposed to build anticipation, but has instead become annoying.Alex Ovechkin is now the NHL’s greatest goalscorer. It’s debatable what else he isRead moreHere’s how theNHLplayoffs work now: Since 2014, the top three teams from each NHL division qualify for the postseason, plus the next two highest-placed teams by points, regardless of their division, as wildcard entrants. In the first round, each of the top divisional seeds plays a wildcard team, with the team with the most points playing the wildcard team with the least. Meanwhile, the second- and third-placed teams from each division face off.When it was announced for the 2014 season, the revamped playoff rearrangement was just one piece of a broader league-wide realignment. The NHL redesigned its divisions and conferences to align more closely with time zone boundaries to both reduce travel and make TV schedules better for fans. “We played a majority of games outside the Eastern time zone, and our next generation of fans wanted to be able to watch and listen. But so many of our games started too late,” John Davidson, president of the Columbus Blue Jackets – who moved from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference during the realignment –saidwhen the changes were approved.NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also felt the realignment would create more intense rivalries, because it meant that teams began to play inside their division and conference more frequently – three or four times each – with the remainder of the games against teams from the other conference. On the eve of the 2014 Stanley Cup final, Bettman declared the effort a mission accomplished. “I think the entire realignment this season has been received overwhelmingly in a positive way,” Bettmansaidat a 2014 press conference. “The rivalries have been great,” he said, speaking of that year’s postseason – the first under the new format.Whether or not divisional or conference rivalries have intensified since the realignment is a point of debate. What’s clearer is that the playoff matchups in an ever-expanding league remain in some cases painfully predictable.View image in fullscreenCould this be the year the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 58-year Stanley Cup drought finally ends?Photograph: Steve Russell/Toronto Star/Getty ImagesThe LA Kings of recent years are a good example. This postseason will be the fourth year in a row that LA will face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs. The Oilers have won the past three meetings. Forget rivalry, this is more like a recurring nightmare for Kings fans – and one they could see coming for months. It’s a similar, though less pronounced, issue for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who’ve faced the Boston Bruins three times in the first round since 2018 and the Tampa Bay Lightning twice. “You see LA-Edmonton every year in the first round. Is that really good for the league?” Winnipeg forward Gabriel Vilardiasked reportersin March. “You can’t make rivalries. They just happen naturally. That’s my opinion.”What to do? The solution to all this might not be a fresh overhaul of the playoff format itself, but of the regular-season points system. Some have suggested that the NHL should adopt the 3-2-1 points system it used in the Four Nations tournament earlier this year – that is, three points for a win, two for an overtime win or shootout win, and one for an overtime or shootout loss (zero for a loss in regulation). Currently, the NHL awards two points for any win and one point for a loss in overtime or a shootout. The theory is that the 3-2-1 system would incentivize teams to win more games in regulation, thereby shifting the overall standings, and rewarding teams that might have otherwise not made the postseason. One poll in 2024showed78.7% of NHL fans want the change. Yet, if the 3-2-1 points system had been applied this season, the Oilers and Kings stillwould havelikely played one another in the first round. And the Leafs would not have played the Senators (as they will), but instead, uh, the Lightning.For now, Bettman doesn’t think the format needs a rethink. “I’m pretty dug in on this,” hesaidin March. “I like exactly what we have and if you look at the races that we’re having for the regular season, playoffs have started already,” Bettman added, referring to the fact that some teams have been relatively certain of the team they’ll face in the first round for many weeks. Bettman referred to this inevitability as the NHL’s “play-in tournament”, referring to the NBA’s extra games that determine the final teams to make the postseason. But, even by his own account, Bettman should consider a change. When the current playoff format was introduced, Bettman said it would stand for at least three years “barring another relocation or expansion” – neither of which, he noted, were being considered. Since then, the NHL has seen one team relocate and two new join. It might be time.Playoff predictionsWestern Conference finalLas Vegas v WinnipegEastern Conference finalToronto v WashingtonStanley Cup finalWinnipeg v TorontoIf this proves to be the matchup, it would be fitting for a year in which Canada has (re)defined itself so much via hockey that a Canadian team finally ends the nation’s 35-year Cup drought. Things have aligned well for the Leafs this season, but the hockey gods are also endlessly cruel, so if this unbelievable Cup Final should occur, the safe bet would be with the Jets.
Stuck on repeat: NHL’s playoff format keeps delivering déjà vu matchups
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Debate Surrounds NHL Playoff Format Amidst Repetitive Matchups"
The Guardian
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The NHL's playoff format, which has been in place since the 2014 season, has drawn criticism and sparked debate among players and fans alike. This format replaced the previous system that allowed the top eight teams from each conference to qualify for the playoffs, leading to a more straightforward matchup of teams based on their rankings. Under the new format, the top three teams from each division secure playoff spots, along with two wildcard teams, thus introducing a divisional playoff structure that some argue results in predictable and repetitive matchups. For instance, the upcoming first-round clash between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche has left many fans lamenting the divisional format, as it seems unjust that one of the top contenders will be eliminated early in the playoffs. Critics like Washington Capitals' Daniel Winnik have voiced concerns that the current system has led to a lack of excitement and anticipation, with rivalries feeling forced rather than organic, as seen in recurring matchups like the LA Kings versus Edmonton Oilers, which will mark the fourth consecutive year they face off in the playoffs.
The NHL's realignment aimed to reduce travel and enhance viewer engagement by ensuring teams played more frequently within their divisions. While NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman believes this has intensified rivalries, many fans are unconvinced, pointing to the predictability of playoff pairings as a drawback of the current format. Some fans advocate for a change to the regular-season points system, suggesting a 3-2-1 system that could incentivize teams to win more games in regulation and potentially alter playoff standings. Despite growing calls for a revamp, Bettman remains firm in his support of the existing format. This insistence on maintaining the status quo raises questions about the future of NHL playoffs, especially as the league continues to expand and evolve. As the playoffs approach, discussions about potential changes in the playoff structure and points system will likely intensify, reflecting the ongoing struggle between tradition and the demand for a more dynamic and engaging postseason experience.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the ongoing dissatisfaction among NHL players and fans regarding the current playoff format. It illustrates a sense of déjà vu felt by both groups, suggesting that the revamped system has led to predictable matchups that detract from the excitement of the playoffs.
Criticism of the Playoff Format
Daniel Winnik's strong criticism from 2017 reflects a broader sentiment that resonates today. Fans and players alike express that the current divisional format may unfairly eliminate top teams too early in the playoff process. The article captures the frustration over how this structure has led to repetitive matchups that seem to lack the element of surprise, which is essential for maintaining viewer engagement.
Community Sentiment
The mention of online discussions, particularly within the r/hockey subreddit, underscores a collective discontent within the NHL community. The engagement shows that many fans desire change and feel that the league’s decision-making does not align with their interests. This sentiment can influence public opinion and potentially pressure the NHL to reconsider its playoff structure.
Hidden Agendas
There is no overt attempt to hide information, but the article could suggest a reluctance from the NHL to acknowledge the flaws in its playoff format. By presenting a unified voice of discontent from players and fans, it creates a narrative that the league may be out of touch with its audience.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear overtly manipulative, but it frames the discussion in a way that emphasizes dissatisfaction, potentially swaying readers to adopt a critical view of the NHL's decisions. The use of direct quotes from players adds authenticity to the critique, reinforcing the narrative that change is needed.
Reliability of Information
The article is grounded in legitimate player comments and fan reactions, making it a reliable source of opinion regarding the NHL’s playoff format. However, it is essential to note that it reflects a subjective view rather than an objective analysis of the playoff system's efficacy.
Perceived Impact on Society
This type of reporting can influence how fans engage with the sport, potentially affecting attendance and viewership if dissatisfaction continues to grow. Moreover, as public sentiment shifts, it could prompt the NHL to reconsider its operational strategies moving forward.
Target Audience
The article primarily appeals to hockey fans, players, and analysts who are interested in the intricacies of the NHL playoffs. By addressing their concerns and frustrations, it seeks to resonate with those invested in the sport's future.
Market Implications
While the piece focuses on the playoff format, its implications may extend to NHL-related businesses, merchandise sales, and media rights negotiations if fan engagement decreases. Stocks of companies associated with the NHL could be affected if fan dissatisfaction translates into lower viewership numbers.
Global Context
In terms of global dynamics, the NHL's playoff system does not directly influence international relations or power balances. However, it is part of a broader conversation about how sports organizations respond to fan input and adapt to changing cultural expectations.
Use of AI in Writing
It is plausible that AI tools were employed in crafting the narrative style or structuring the article, as certain phrases and the overall flow can resemble AI-generated content. However, the emotional tone and direct quotes from players suggest a human touch in the reporting. Given the analysis, the article serves to inform and provoke thought regarding the NHL playoff format while capturing the frustrations of its audience, ultimately aiming to advocate for change.