With this year's playoff matchups being set, fans are beginning to react to a potential new playoff format that could change how teams are accepted into the playoffs.
An NHL insider has suggested that the league could do something to guarantee that the final few days of the NHL season are as hyped as they have been this year, with teams vying for the final playoff spot up to game 81 of the season. The suggestion? A play-in tournament for the final few teams.
The last two nights have demonstrated how great a play-in tourney would be. Just saying.
Fans immediately took to social media to respond to the suggestion, mostly in favour of how the tournament would be electric for the game and would make it more fair for teams to get into the playoffs.
There has been some criticism in the past about the NHL playoff format, as it doesn't truly reward teams for finishing first in their conference. Some have suggested that the league go back to the traditional style of matchups where the team who finishes first plays the last team to get in.
The NHL playoff format needs to go back to 1st vs 8th, 2nd vs 7th, 3rd vs 6th and 4th vs 5th. This isn't a biased take it just rewards teams for being the best in the conference. The current format is ridiculous.
Clearly, this is a problem for another season, as there is nothing that can be done about it now. We will see if the NHL decides it is worth discussing over the offseason.
