Say Carolina falters and goes 9-7-0 the rest of the way.

You guys would have to go 13-3-0 to catch them.

Does that seem likely?
- BINGO!

we dont care about carolina

in fact, it should be named Donotcarolina

You'd say the same thing if it was 1 VS 8.
- Santo_44

Um, no, because the divisional rivalries would not be emphasized. That's precisely why I like the current format.

in fact, it should be named Donotcarolina
- twiztedmike

Tend to agree. He'll screw around with Lilly till he makes another Holl for us.
- Leafsmart

via GIPHY

Here is the thing though, Gary isn't actually making ANY of these decisions, it's the GM's, Owners etc. he is just the talking head that executes their decisions and desires for them. I do dislike Bettman because he comes across as a schmary, know it all, weasel like lawyer and seems to relish being the bad guy a bit too much but end of the day he's just the executioner not the guy who gave the thumbs down or the 'off with his head' command.

Also I hate the current playoff format, I can only guess those who most heavily influence the decision around this want to stay status quo for some business like reason (i.e. reduced travel costs etc)?
- Cush29

If Gary wanted the format changes he’d be able to generate enough support among the owners to get it changed. He’s has a fair bit of power on issues that aren’t direct money issues. Most owners probably couldn’t care less and don’t see the format as a problem. This is pretty much a Toronto issue. Bill Guerin used those exact words when he was asked about it.

we dont care about carolina
- twiztedmike

That's literally who he was talking about, Mikkel.

Um, no, because the divisional rivalries would not be emphasized. That's precisely why I like the current format.
- Zezel

If they made a change I’d like to see more divisional games. It’s harder to sustain a good hate with only three games a year.

Schenn back with Leafs..

Leafs going with 10 forwards and 8 D tonight
- Azuredoom

https://twitter.com/caito...tatus/1635990018081652737

Anyone can get a sponsorship if they play for the Leafs.
- GreatGigInTheSky

Love the character guys, he deserves it. I'm waiting for Lafferty to get a little more settled then him and Acciari will be some of my new favs.

(Lafferty and Acciari are going to be really noticeable in the playoffs, me thinks)

Toronto Maple Leafs
@MapleLeafs
🖊 We’ve signed forward Ryan Tverberg to a future three-year, entry-level contract

The contract will begin in the 2023-24 season.
- nbboy

Gee, TSN can't even quote the twitter correctly.

If Gary wanted the format changes he’d be able to generate enough support among the owners to get it changed. He’s has a fair bit of power on issues that aren’t direct money issues. Most owners probably couldn’t care less and don’t see the format as a problem. This is pretty much a Toronto issue. Bill Guerin used those exact words when he was asked about it.
- Canada Cup

Right he needs support for the change which means he in fact isn't the one making the decisions - which is what I said.

As far as if the owners care or don't care about the format I have not seen any articles that provide any insight either way have you?

Re: Bill Guerin's comment - are you referring to this Bill Guerin?

https://twitter.com/TicTa.../1631096711719403520?s=20

Right he needs support for the change which means he in fact isn't the one making the decisions - which is what I said.

As far as if the owners care or don't care about the format I have not seen any articles that provide any insight either way have you?

Re: Bill Guerin's comment - are you referring to this Bill Guerin?

https://twitter.com/TicTa.../1631096711719403520?s=20
- Cush29

I've seen a couple comments about it today. Apparently the league prefers having the forced rivalries in the first round since that's the part of the playoffs that gets the highest viewership so they want the most heated matchups possible there.

Say Carolina falters and goes 9-7-0 the rest of the way.

You guys would have to go 13-3-0 to catch them.

Does that seem likely?
- BINGO!

9-7 is faltering?

They just lost a superstar.

Faltering for them is going 500. or below.

Um, no, because the divisional rivalries would not be emphasized. That's precisely why I like the current format.
- Zezel

You like anything that happens. Nothing could ever be wrong in your NHL

I want to know how much he gets paid for this
- Santo_44

you saw all the boxes he took with him

that was his payment.

You like anything that happens. Nothing could ever be wrong in your NHL
- Santo_44

Not quite. I think they should get rid of fighting and shootouts for starters. But it's true I don't piss, whine, moan and complain about everything all the time.

Not quite, Mike Johnson likes it, and so do I. It's a great format, and Bettman is right. People just like to complain.
- Zezel

I'd like to see top 4 in all divisions play
1 vs. 4
2 vs. 3

Exactly. Everyone saying the games don't mean anything because of the way the standings happen to have shaped up this year, easy solution is just don't watch the games and do something else you're interested in.
- Zezel

Exactly.
Boston is having a one off season, there would be a race of three teams if the hockey gods werent blowing them.

9-7 is faltering?

They just lost a superstar.

Faltering for them is going 500. or below.
- Santo_44

They're 44-14-8 and went 7-0-0 without Sebastian Aho earlier this year, and 6-0-0 when Jaccob Slavin missed time.

9-7-0 would be a sizable drop for a team that hasn't lost three games in a row in regulation all season.

their worst stretch of ten games was a 2-4-4 mark back in November. Since then they're 34-8-3

They're 44-14-8 and went 7-0-0 without Sebastian Aho earlier this year, and 6-0-0 when Jaccob Slavin missed time.

9-7-0 would be a sizable drop for a team that hasn't lost three games in a row in regulation all season.

their worst stretch of ten games was a 2-4-4 mark back in November. Since then they're 34-8-3
- BINGO!

Some would even say they faltered

Some would even say they faltered
- Santo_44

Yep. They weren't playing great back then.

Right he needs support for the change which means he in fact isn't the one making the decisions - which is what I said.

As far as if the owners care or don't care about the format I have not seen any articles that provide any insight either way have you?

Re: Bill Guerin's comment - are you referring to this Bill Guerin?

https://twitter.com/TicTa.../1631096711719403520?s=20
- Cush29

No, he can’t make unilateral decisions but he’s not just a mouthpiece. He has considerable influence especially on non money issues.

in fact, it should be named Donotcarolina
- twiztedmike

11 and 7 again tonight

Gus on 2PP so likely we see Schenn sit tonight

Get him in a game ffs