The NHL Playoff System Is Broken — And It Needs Fixing Now
Summary
Over ten years ago, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman changed the playoff system to pair teams from the same division in the first playoff rounds. This was meant to create more rivalries and excitement but has led to repetitive matchups and weaker competition, especially in the Eastern Conference. Critics argue that returning to the old format would improve the playoffs.Key Facts
- Gary Bettman introduced a new NHL playoff format over a decade ago.
- The format focuses first-round matchups on teams within the same division.
- This has caused teams to face each other repeatedly in early playoff rounds.
- The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers have met in the first playoff round four times in a row.
- The current playoff structure has led to less competitive matchups, especially in the Eastern Conference.
- The No. 7 and No. 8 seeds in the East, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, are the lowest-ranked teams playing each other.
- Some believe the old playoff format, which matched the highest seed against the lowest seed regardless of division, was better.
- The goal of Bettman's change was to increase fan interest and rivalries, but it has not improved ratings.
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