Should The NHL Change Its Playoff Format?

The NHL’s playoff format has been a hot topic of debate in recent seasons, with fans and players alike questioning whether it needs an overhaul. Critics argue that the current structure often leads to the same first-round matchups, diminishing the excitement and variety in the playoffs. As calls for change grow louder, the league faces pressure to reconsider its approach.

An example of the “same old, same old” is the possibility that the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings will face off in the first round this spring for the fourth consecutive year. There is much debate about whether this playoff format is making NHL fans tired of seeing the same matchups or creating longtime rivalries between NHL teams.

There have been many NHL players who have voiced their opinions on the league’s playoff format, including one of the greatest of all time, Sidney Crosby. “I like 1-to-8 just because I think the regular season is as difficult as it is, teams should be rewarded,” said Crosby during the 2023 All-Star Game. “That’s probably the best way to be rewarded, even though there isn’t a ton of difference. I like that version a little bit better.”

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also spoke on the matter during the 2023 All-Star Game, coming to the defense of the current playoff format. “The debate about 1-versus-8, it’s not just that, you have to look at changes to the wild card and start looking at the matchups in terms of how many times teams play each other,” Bettman said. “If you’re having conference-based playoffs, it’s not as simple as saying, ‘I’d like 1-versus-8 versus what we have.’ It involves a whole host of other issues that have to be addressed.”

While there seems to be a rift between different parties in the NHL, if there were to be a change in the league’s playoff format, there are many options that have been discussed.

Play-In Round

One alternative would be what the NBA has done, which is a play-in-round for the teams seeded from 7-10. This format would see the No. 7-10 teams in each conference battle it out for the final two playoff spots, giving bubble teams a last chance to earn their way into the post-season. This format sees more teams battle for a playoff spot and gives those teams in the current playoff format that are a few points out the chance to still make it in anyway. One thing that may cause concern is the fact that these teams may not have the same amount of rest as the teams who finished higher than them.

1-to-16

Another option could be a No. 1-16 playoff format, completely removing the idea of the Eastern and Western conferences and truly making it so that the best team in the regular season would play the 16th and bottom-seeded playoff team. This playoff concept would provide new rivalries while also adhering to rewarding the NHL teams who had a better regular season as they do not have to play as tough opponents in the first round as in previous years.

Wild Card

The current format with the wild-card setup is still a very solid way of conducting the Stanley Cup playoffs. While many criticize the format for producing repetitive matchups each year, others argue that it helps foster new rivalries previously unseen in the league. A perfect example of that would be the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, as no one considered it a rivalry until they played each other in the playoffs two years in a row.

If the NHL were to change its playoff format, the league’s players, coaches and organizations would need to agree on a new one. Whether or not it changes, fans can expect excitement every April when the puck drops in the quest to see who will hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.

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