If you enjoy wasting time, read the next three sentences.
The National Hockey League Board of Governor’s approved realignment set to (likely) begin in 2012-13. Divisions have been shot dead, as the league has moved forward with the creation of four unnamed ‘conferences’ consisting of either seven or eight teams depending on your locale. As is the case with anything regarding change (see: backlash against Coke’s white holiday cans), people like this, and people hate this.
These are things you undoubtedly already knew. So, yeah, there’s no need for further introduction. Let’s just jump right into things -- it’s how I learned how to swim.
Through a Boston scope…
My goodness, this has to feel like a dream if you‘re a Bruins fan, doesn‘t it?
With rumors swirling that any realignment plans would begin and end with either Detroit, Pittsburgh or both (!) ending up in the same division as Boston, instead the Bruins’ ‘conference’ make out like bandits. Instead of absorbing two of the last four Cup winners, the ‘C Conference’ is merely the current Northeast Division..plus the Quebec City, I mean Florida, Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Yeah, they’ll take that substitution.
But with the new playoff scene that follows with these changes, how awesome is this? The Bruins, if they make the playoffs as one of the top four in their respective conference, are guaranteed to play at least two of their conference rivals on the way to any Stanley Cup semi-final. This means more match-up’s with Buffalo, Montreal, and even Toronto. Stock up on heart medicine while you can.
Outside of the punch you in your face match-up's, four of seven teams in Boston's conference make the playoffs. That's more than 50 percent.
Through an NHL scope…
We live in a world where everyone is a winner. Even the losers get trophies for losing! But honestly, when it comes to these new divisions, everybody’s a winner.
As a whole, you can’t help but love this from the point of view of the NHL. Yes, this is radical, but it was also done with some underplayed yet masterfully careful consideration. The league doesn’t break up any classic rivalries as the Atlantic Division remains intact with the addition of Carolina and Washington while the artist formerly known as the Central Division still boasts its classic Blackhawks versus Red Wings clash.
But most importantly, these new divisions eliminate teams playing in divisions that are two time-zone’s apart. Sure, travel for clubs like the Bolts and Panthers has increased, but the scales are finally somewhat even for clubs such as Columbus, Detroit, and Minnesota.
You have to assume that the move also benefits club such as the Bolts and Panthers in the essence that they'll get stronger attendance numbers thanks to more trips down south from fans of the B's, Habs, Leafs, and Sabres looking for weekend getaways outta their snowy abodes. That's just plain good for business.
Through a playoff scope…
Now, this is the really cool part. Along with the aforementioned ‘having to play two of your divisional rivals’ part, the chance for a Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers battle for the Stanley Cup is very much alive again. Maple Leafs and Rangers? Doable. Canadiens versus Capitals? Possible. Hell, even the Jets vs. Oilers!
This is going to be really, really, really fun to watch unfold and is the most exciting part of it all. At least in my opinion.
Through an expansion scope…
The talk is there, and for obvious reasons, this is a system that seems best suited for a 32-team league. As it stands now, the league is two clubs short of that. Posing the inevitable question of “Does the NHL want to expand before they relocate?”
Yes, and no.
On a relocation note, I don’t see the league
letting the Islanders move out of the New York area. To the developing Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, maybe (Boy, I hope so), but beyond that? Dream on, Kansas City. As for the 700 pound gorilla in the desert, it really does seem that Bettman’s intent on giving the Coyotes every chance possible to succeed. He’s been quick to shoot down relocation talk, and with Atlanta jetting off to Winnipeg this past summer, it’s hard to imagine a move is anywhere near imminent for a Coyotes club that’s actually pretty damn fun to watch.
Bringing us back to the idea of expansion.
It’s no secret that I’d love to see a team back in Quebec City, or even back in Hartford for that matter. I do tend to believe the latter is a pipedream -- partially based on my own personal visits to Hartford -- but a team back in Quebec City almost makes
too much sense, doesn’t it? After all, they’ve begun working on a multi-billion dollar arena without an NHL plan in place. They’re going to dangle the carrot in front of the NHL through an appealing history and passion for the game, and eventually, the NHL will bite.
But how about cities such as Hamilton, Kansas City, Markham, or Seattle? These are all cities where hockey could presumably work based on their location and arenas within the area. It's no secret that a second NHL franchise (one that doesn't cost thousands of dollars to go to) in the Toronto area will work, and I'm really interested to see if the NHL tests the waters.
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