With the new season coming now less than 2 months away, Gary Bettman has come out and admitted that there will likely have to be a one-season temporary shift to divisions who can make travel easier and take out certain variables. So, that being said, I figured I would take a shot at what the four divisions should look like and while I am at it take a shot at predicting who would make the playoffs in this new alignment.
For the sake of argument, and based on the rumors I have heard, the playoffs would go back to a pure divisional format with the top four teams in each division making the playoffs and then 1 plays 4, 2 plays 3, the winners play and the final four would then be made up of the champion from each division.
So here are my divisions. I am also renaming the divisions after the four best hockey players of all time...
The first division in the easiest...the seven Canadian teams....my early predicted order..
The Howe Division Average 2019-20 Winning Percentage: .575
1. Lightning
2. Blue Jackets
3. Wild
4. Panthers
5. Hurricanes
6. Predators
7. Black Hawks
8. Red Wings
The Forsberg Division Average 2019-20 Winning Percentage: .553
1. Avalanche
2. Knights
3. Blues
4. Kings
5. Stars
6. Sharks
7. Ducks
8. Coyotes
How would the playoffs work?
Many Options...
Option 1:
Based on the rumors I have heard, the playoffs would most likely go back to a pure divisional format with the top four teams in each division making the playoffs and then 1 plays 4, 2 plays 3, the winners play and the final four would then be made up of the champion from each division. There would be no Conferences, so the best divisional champ would play the worst, 2 vs 3...etc...however, I have also heard the concept that for the semi-final the teams may just be put together based on closest proximity....
Option 2:
Still divisional playoffs, BUT play-in games. Top two teams in each division get a bye, #3 would play #6, and #4 would play #5....
Option 3:
Still divisional playoffs, BUT play-in games. Top three teams in each division get a bye, #3 plays #5 for final spot.
Option 4:
Another way to do the playoffs would be to actually form Conferences...The Canadian Teams and the Western USA Teams being put together, while the northeastern teams would be with the midwest/southern teams. Then you could have Conference playoffs, with the top two teams in each division making the playoffs and then the next best 4 teams.. that would give you 8 teams in the Conference, 1 plays 8, 2 v7, etc.
What say you?
How would you re-align the divisions?
What playoff format would you prefer?
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