Historically, yes, but when is the last time both these teams played eachother when they were both making a run for the cup?
- rrentz

Well the Bruins won the cup in 2011 and played the Habs first round. I'm not sure what you're trying to say but the rivalry is still among the biggest in sports.

I kind of feel bad for the pens. Had to face Columbus then the caps after being second in the conference. At least the caps had the leafs in the first round.

Here's hoping no one gets injured. I always think that, but it'd be a real shame for these two team to battle really hard then face future, lesser, teams with key parts of their lineup out.

Neither of them deserve that when moving on.

The Pens defense was supposed to be the nail in the coffin against Columbus, and look at the result.

Washington shouldn't take any team for granted. The regular season is a different monster than the playoffs. Look how much trouble Toronto gave the Caps. Take nothing for granted.

This series should be fun, stressful, and entertaining.

Go Pens!

What extensive travel? If you go 2-3-2 you eliminate a couple plane rides and it's hardly a big deal. If Toronto to Sanjose is a 7.5 hour flight, and Toronto to Fla is a 3 hour flight, but if you don't have the series go 2-2-1-1-1 its not much more.

Plus travel is luxerious and isn't going to hurt the quality of the hockey. That's preposterous. The idea that travel is a problem of a 1-16 matchup is pretty lazy actually.

As for rivalries, they are manufactured for the most part. Pittsburgh Washington is a rivalry because they've both been good for so long. But I can tell you that after a decade of crap, Toronto vs Buffalo isn't very intense.

Trust me, if your team is the Cup Final, you don't give a crap about rivalries. You care about winning. Toronto and Washington have no rivalry, but it was a way better series than Toronto vs Ottawa.

Honestly, talk of travel and rivalries makes me think Bettman has gotten to you. Full brainwashing in effect.
- James_Tanner

1vs 16 would be interesting... also would create some new rivalries.. maybe their would be an epic preds bruins series and the teams hate each other moving forward. would make their regular season games have some more jam the following years... I understand the logistic headaches but i'm up for anything that is better than this

That wasn't his idea. His idea actually makes sense, though it would never fly.

The teams that make the playoffs do so based on the standings for the full year. Seeding is then based on standings from Feb 1st, removing bonus points for shootouts. I'd remove the bonus point for OT wins too, as I'm sure you'd agree, it's not meaningful when ranking teams for playoffs.
- Blue Clam

I made this table a while ago to see how teams stack up when you put more weight on 5v5 play, though it's for a full season. I think the 2pt system evaluates a teams relative strength best, but put the 3pt column in as well because why not.

2pt column: 2 points for reg win, 1 point for a tie at the end of regulation
3pt column: 3 points for reg win, 2 points for OT/SO win, 1 point for OT/SO loss

	Wins			Losses		Points
Atlantic	Reg.	OT	SO	OT/SO	Ties	Original	2pt	3pt
Montreal Canadiens	33	11	3	9	23	103	89	136
Boston Bruins	38	4	2	7	13	95	89	133
Ottawa Senators	34	4	6	10	20	98	88	132
Toronto Maple Leafs	33	6	1	15	22	95	88	128
Tampa Bay Lightning	32	6	4	10	20	94	84	126
Buffalo Sabres	25	6	2	12	20	78	70	103
Florida Panthers	23	7	5	11	23	81	69	104
Detroit Red Wings	17	7	9	13	29	79	63	96
	Wins			Losses		Points
Metropolitan	Reg.	OT	SO	OT/SO	Ties	Original	2pt	3pt
Washington Capitals	45	8	2	8	18	118	108	163
Pittsburgh Penguins	40	6	4	11	21	111	101	151
Columbus Blue Jackets	39	9	2	8	19	108	97	147
New York Rangers	40	5	3	6	14	102	94	142
New York Islanders	33	6	2	12	20	94	86	127
Carolina Hurricanes	28	5	3	15	23	87	79	115
Philadelphia Flyers	25	7	7	10	24	88	74	113
New Jersey Devils	18	7	3	14	24	70	60	88
	Wins			Losses		Points
Central	Reg.	OT	SO	OT/SO	Ties	Original	2pt	3pt
Minnesota Wild	42	4	3	8	15	106	99	148
Chicago Blackhawks	37	9	4	9	22	109	96	146
St. Louis Blues	38	6	2	7	15	99	91	137
Nashville Predators	35	4	2	12	18	94	88	129
Winnipeg Jets	33	4	3	7	14	87	80	120
Dallas Stars	28	5	1	11	17	79	73	107
Colorado Avalanche	14	7	1	4	12	48	40	62
	Wins			Losses		Points
Pacific	Reg.	OT	SO	OT/SO	Ties	Original	2pt	3pt
Anaheim Ducks	40	3	3	13	19	105	99	145
Edmonton Oilers	37	6	4	9	19	103	93	140
San Jose Sharks	38	6	2	7	15	99	91	137
Calgary Flames	32	9	4	4	17	94	81	126
Los Angeles Kings	25	12	2	8	22	86	72	111
Arizona Coyotes	20	4	6	10	20	70	60	90
Vancouver Canucks	19	7	4	9	20	69	58	88

Just because you climaxed into a leafs rally towel on Sunday doesn't mean the parties over. These playoffs in there entirety are going to be a fun ride no matter where you get off. Might wanna check with your girl, it's possible others needs have yet to be met.

Yeah fair point. I'm not saying I won't enjoy it. I am just saying it's stupid to have a system that makes certain combinations of teams impossible to play for the Cup.

Before the season even started everyone knew that the Cup Final could not feature the NHL's two best teams. I can't be alone in seeing that is shooting yourself in the foot for no reason.
- James_Tanner

Also agreed. I'm not a fan of this system. But as a fan of a non playoff team I don't mind seeing these match ups.

And just looking at 1 - 8 from reg season standings : Caps still play leafs, then pit v bos, cbj v ott and mon v rags. Assuming the same teams won caps would play ott a round early and could potentially not even play Pitt if the rags won. So I guess it's pick your poison and unfortunately the system will never be without flaws.

And just looking at 1 - 8 from reg season standings : Caps still play leafs, then pit v bos, cbj v ott and mon v rags. Assuming the same teams won caps would play ott a round early and could potentially not even play Pitt if the rags won. So I guess it's pick your poison and unfortunately the system will never be without flaws.
- bigjersey3

There never will be a perfect system isn't an argument against improving.

The fact is, an 82 game schedule should have more meaning, and one way to do that is to reward teams more for finishing higher.

I've only ever been to Ottawa once. Never been to Buffalo.

The fact that they are geographically the closest other team to the Leafs is irrelevant to me. I have no more connection to Ottawa than Phoenix, and given that I've never been to either place, pretending I care more about Toronto Ottawa games is silly.

It is literally a manufactured and arbitrary geographical rivalry devised by the people selling the tickets. If I don't know anyone in either city and never go, it's not relevent whether its ten miles or a thousand away, as far as watching two teams play hockey.

In my opinion, doing away with conferences would make for way more exciting playoffs, and it would improve the chances that the best teams win. While it's fun and all, the fact that an 8 seed has a basically one in three chance to upset the #1 seed in any situation, is problematic.

There never will be a perfect system isn't an argument against improving.

The fact is, an 82 game schedule should have more meaning, and one way to do that is to reward teams more for finishing higher.

I've only ever been to Ottawa once. Never been to Buffalo.

The fact that they are geographically the closest other team to the Leafs is irrelevant to me. I have no more connection to Ottawa than Phoenix, and given that I've never been to either place, pretending I care more about Toronto Ottawa games is silly.

It is literally a manufactured and arbitrary geographical rivalry devised by the people selling the tickets. If I don't know anyone in either city and never go, it's not relevent whether its ten miles or a thousand away, as far as watching two teams play hockey.

In my opinion, doing away with conferences would make for way more exciting playoffs, and it would improve the chances that the best teams win. While it's fun and all, the fact that an 8 seed has a basically one in three chance to upset the #1 seed in any situation, is problematic.
- James_Tanner

Of course it could be improved and should be. But do we as fans want to see the same team win every year? Isn't there a part in most of us that wants to see an upset and watch a team win against the odds? Maybe it's bc my devs have been out before the season even started, so i have no vested interest in any team, but I thought most of the series so far were good. Ana and ott was meh, but you would get some yawners in any setup.

There never will be a perfect system isn't an argument against improving.

The fact is, an 82 game schedule should have more meaning, and one way to do that is to reward teams more for finishing higher.

I've only ever been to Ottawa once. Never been to Buffalo.

The fact that they are geographically the closest other team to the Leafs is irrelevant to me. I have no more connection to Ottawa than Phoenix, and given that I've never been to either place, pretending I care more about Toronto Ottawa games is silly.

It is literally a manufactured and arbitrary geographical rivalry devised by the people selling the tickets. If I don't know anyone in either city and never go, it's not relevent whether its ten miles or a thousand away, as far as watching two teams play hockey.

In my opinion, doing away with conferences would make for way more exciting playoffs, and it would improve the chances that the best teams win. While it's fun and all, the fact that an 8 seed has a basically one in three chance to upset the #1 seed in any situation, is problematic.
- James_Tanner

you need to get out more.

There never will be a perfect system isn't an argument against improving.

The fact is, an 82 game schedule should have more meaning, and one way to do that is to reward teams more for finishing higher.

I've only ever been to Ottawa once. Never been to Buffalo.

The fact that they are geographically the closest other team to the Leafs is irrelevant to me. I have no more connection to Ottawa than Phoenix, and given that I've never been to either place, pretending I care more about Toronto Ottawa games is silly.

It is literally a manufactured and arbitrary geographical rivalry devised by the people selling the tickets. If I don't know anyone in either city and never go, it's not relevent whether its ten miles or a thousand away, as far as watching two teams play hockey.

In my opinion, doing away with conferences would make for way more exciting playoffs, and it would improve the chances that the best teams win. While it's fun and all, the fact that an 8 seed has a basically one in three chance to upset the #1 seed in any situation, is problematic.
- James_Tanner

Please explain how these changes remove the luck factor

Taking a private jet with your fellow sports team friends is about as stressful as a bath. Give me a break here, how is there going to be any advantage?
- Tanner

You mind me asking what this opinion is based on?

Extensive personal knowledge?

I'll hang up and listen.

Thanks

There never will be a perfect system isn't an argument against improving.

The fact is, an 82 game schedule should have more meaning, and one way to do that is to reward teams more for finishing higher.

I've only ever been to Ottawa once. Never been to Buffalo.

The fact that they are geographically the closest other team to the Leafs is irrelevant to me. I have no more connection to Ottawa than Phoenix, and given that I've never been to either place, pretending I care more about Toronto Ottawa games is silly.

It is literally a manufactured and arbitrary geographical rivalry devised by the people selling the tickets. If I don't know anyone in either city and never go, it's not relevent whether its ten miles or a thousand away, as far as watching two teams play hockey.

In my opinion, doing away with conferences would make for way more exciting playoffs, and it would improve the chances that the best teams win. While it's fun and all, the fact that an 8 seed has a basically one in three chance to upset the #1 seed in any situation, is problematic.
- James_Tanner

I'm not against going back to old system. I do like rivalries though and you gotta beat the best to be the best so who cares if you lose out in Eastern Conf Finals or Eastern Conf semi-finals unless you're the owners.

With respect to rivalries, I think you just need to know more people or get out more... Just because you don't appreciate rivalries everyone else loves them. I find rivalries are more based on the people you know that cheer for the other team. People in Alberta cheer for either Flames or Oilers, same goes for Pennsylvania in Pens and Flyers, Sens and Leafs, etc. It's more of a rivalry between the fans than the teams although the teams seem to develop them as well (Boston vs Montreal).

Long story short - get more friends. Which may be tough for you considering your personality and viewpoints, but it'd be worth a shot.

Also, 3-2-3 format is terrible. Please don't suggest that again.

Meh, the battle of Alberta had this happen a pile of times.
- golfingsince

It happens a lot in sports. Not much you can do about it.

It happens a lot in sports. Not much you can do about it.
- Aetherial

You could argue it's a good thing as at least you get to see that matchup. Washington gets upset by the Leafs and this series doesn't happen. I'd rather see best on best in the quarter finals than not see it at all.

Just because you climaxed into a leafs rally towel on Sunday doesn't mean the parties over. These playoffs in there entirety are going to be a fun ride no matter where you get off. Might wanna check with your girl, it's possible others needs have yet to be met.
- BrainSap

Is it wrong that this post made me giggle?

says the guy who thinks the Cup is "devalued this year"
- jimbro83

I haven't read the blog. I think I might know what he's trying to say. It wouldn't be the first time in the NHL it's happened, but I think a better word would be "anti-climactic". When you get into the final rounds, and they're one sided, it tends to lose it's interest.

I don't see many teams in the west that can go toe to toe with Pittsburgh, let alone Washington. Especially with Chicago gone. If Pittsburgh can pull it off, I guess a WC team might have an outside shot, but honestly, anything after round 2 will feel like a formality, given how far ahead of the crowd Washington and Pittsburgh are.

I could be wrong, but I'm usually not, and that's what I think.

It's kind of a fun idea. Letting the #1 seed pick their opponent each round would add all sorts of excitement, and it's the kind of unusual, fun idea that will piss people off for no reason.

Awesome idea.
- James_Tanner

Admittedly, that's kind of cool. Except, has to be pick your opponent, from your own conference.

I haven't read the blog. I think I might know what he's trying to say. It wouldn't be the first time in the NHL it's happened, but I think a better word would be "anti-climactic". When you get into the final rounds, and they're one sided, it tends to lose it's interest.

I don't see many teams in the west that can go toe to toe with Pittsburgh, let alone Washington. Especially with Chicago gone. If Pittsburgh can pull it off, I guess a WC team might have an outside shot, but honestly, anything after round 2 will feel like a formality, given how far ahead of the crowd Washington and Pittsburgh are.

I could be wrong, but I'm usually not, and that's what I think.
- prock

While I agree they are way ahead of everyone else but anything can happen. Look how much trouble he leafs have them.

While I agree they are way ahead of everyone else but anything can happen. Look how much trouble he leafs have them.
- jordan456789

The Leafs steadily improved throughout they year, and over the course of the last 60 or so games, were top 10. Got close to top 5, when you look at the last 20 or so games. They're not at the level of the Caps at this point, but you're going to find out very quickly that they'll be a top team in no time. They will likely win their division next year, and will be a top team in the East. Top 3 or 4 in the East.

There is no doubt the Caps are a better team, but that series was more a testament to how far the Leafs have come, rather than "anything can happen".

Fully agree. We should at least be 1 to 8. 1 to 16 does make for some travel difficulties from east coast to West Coast in vice versa. But regardless, this is ridiculous that the two best teams and they are the two best teams, play each other at this stage of the playoffs.
- jackzack87

The Leafs once played the Kings in the conference finals when the Leafs were inexplicably in the Western Conference. A team farther East than Buffalo was in the Western Conference.

Travel isn't really an excuse, because Vancouver could theoretically play Dallas and still be in conference.

I'd be fine with 1-16, but they should just go back to 1-8, except a real 1-8, maybe the 2 division winners get the top 2 seeds in each conference, but screw the other 2 seeds and wild cards. They can get in line.

Although the Caps did get the 8 seed in the first round -which is what should have happened, yes the Leafs played well, no they're not one of the best teams in the league because they played well in a single playoff series they lost where the Caps did not play anywhere near their capabilities. Except maybe ironically, Ovechkin.- are stuck playing the 2 seed in round 2.

The rags could potentially beat either team. Especially with the way hank is playing.
possible anyway.

The ducks certainly could too. Which would be possible to say the absolute least.
It wouldn't even surprise me all that much if the preds took down either in the final

And since im on the topic, if the leafs can push the caps to 6 tough games, then the only team that's left that I don't believe could at least match that feat is the senators.
Not trying to take anything away from the leafs accomplishment, they're a quality team. but there's no argument one can make that will convince me that they're unequivocally superior to either the blues or the oilers.

I think it's abit homer to repeatedly state that the leafs with a few bounces coulda beat the juggernaut caps, but now if they just get past pitts it's over. As if they've vanquished the only two teams that had a shot.
No one outside Toronto is gonna agree with that one James. I'd bet even most IN Toronto wouldn't. But I do respect how much you love your leafs and blue jays....

End of the day, I think you're making waaayy too out of a matchup that's taking place one round early.

The Leafs steadily improved throughout they year, and over the course of the last 60 or so games, were top 10. Got close to top 5, when you look at the last 20 or so games. They're not at the level of the Caps at this point, but you're going to find out very quickly that they'll be a top team in no time. They will likely win their division next year, and will be a top team in the East. Top 3 or 4 in the East.

There is no doubt the Caps are a better team, but that series was more a testament to how far the Leafs have come, rather than "anything can happen".
- prock

Sure, but the oilers and the ducks are also both in that category over the last 20. In fact, ahead of Toronto by your metric.
I'd bet st. loo is too. (Maybe not ahead - but one of the better teams down the stretch.

Also, like your reference to the leafs, there's a pretty decent chance the oilers and ducks will also be top teams in their conference, vying for a divisional title.
(A division that this season anyway, was significantly better than the Atlantic imo. Although a healthy tbay and fla next season could certainly change that


Sure, the caps and pens are the favs that are left. But forgetting Pitts for a second,(as there's no guarantee the leafs coulda pushed them as well) if Washington gets through, there are a number of teams that can absolutely match what the leafs did. And with a few bounces going the other way.....