Maybe the NHL should aquire something like the CFL playoff structure ...top 8 in west make the playoffs ...next 2-3 cross over to play the lightening, pens, Habs, etc
- Redmile247

Top 16 make the playoffs period, 1 plays 16 etc. At least two teams from the East would be guaranteed to make it

Top 16 make the playoffs period, 1 plays 16 etc. At least two teams from the East would be guaranteed to make it
- 1970vintage

In our dreams. Would be funny though, all of the fans of bubble teams in the East would freakout.

In our dreams. Would be funny though, all of the fans of bubble teams in the East would freakout.
- Nucker101

Imagine if the oilers were allowed to play in the east ...they would be a playoff team if they got to play mostly east teams

Imagine if a west team went all the way to the finals on the east side ....kings vs Canucks for the cup

In our dreams. Would be funny though, all of the fans of bubble teams in the East would freakout.
- Nucker101

I think you would still actually see an even proportion of teams from each conference make the playoffs, maybe it would be 10/6 or 9/7, but the East plays against the East more so there would still be a high number of teams with upwards of 100 points.

Well you're our top scout here at HB so I fully trust you.
- Nucker101

I didn't get to watch the game last night. Can someone please tell me how did Stanton do in his first game back? Also how was Vrabata? Surprised to see he did not factor in the score sheet and was not in + stat with 5 goals scored. Did KB look out of place after his injury? Although the score looks flattering spotting a team 2 goal lead early should not sit well. Any good team can shut is down and hold the score.

I was surprised to hear that Bo did well. I was expecting Bo to struggle. He is an 18yo kid plying his first NHL game with Vancouver media hype and attention and playing in Denver where even the vets sometimes get winded.

I think you would still actually see an even proportion of teams from each conference make the playoffs, maybe it would be 10/6 or 9/7, but the East plays against the East more so there would still be a high number of teams with upwards of 100 points.
- 1970vintage

I agree, I'd say 6 or 7 from the East. But suddenly 9th in the West is a good spot to be in then.

Imagine if the oilers were allowed to play in the east ...they would be a playoff team if they got to play mostly east teams

Imagine if a west team went all the way to the finals on the east side ....kings vs Canucks for the cup
- Redmile247

Oilers are a great example. Aren't they undefeated agains the East and winless against the West? Even last year they were .500 against the East...the Oilers

I didn't get to watch the game last night. Can someone please tell me how did Stanton do in his first game back? Also how was Vrabata? Surprised to see he did not factor in the score sheet and was not in + stat with 5 goals scored. Did KB look out of place after his injury? Although the score looks flattering spotting a team 2 goal lead early should not sit well. Any good team can shut is down and hold the score.

I was surprised to hear that Bo did well. I was expecting Bo to struggle. He is an 18yo kid plying his first NHL game with Vancouver media hype and attention and playing in Denver where even the vets sometimes get winded.
- Linden_4_Capt

He's 19 - and Stanton was solid, nothing flashy just solid.

Oilers are a great example. Aren't they undefeated agains the East and winless against the West? Even last year they were .500 against the East...the Oilers
- Nucker101

Perfect example of why tanking is not a good idea!!!

He's 19 - and Stanton was solid, nothing flashy just solid.
- LeftCoaster

Still a kid. But good to hear that he did well. Also great to hear that Stanton was solid. Maybe now we can get rid of the Sbisa and Weber pairing.

In our dreams. Would be funny though, all of the fans of bubble teams in the East would freakout.
- Nucker101

What was the concensus on Stamkos for Weber?

I agree, I'd say 6 or 7 from the East. But suddenly 9th in the West is a good spot to be in then.
- Nucker101

(frank)in eh I'd rather play the Habs or the Lightning in the first round than the Ducks or Hawks

I agree, I'd say 6 or 7 from the East. But suddenly 9th in the West is a good spot to be in then.
- Nucker101

Based on last year it would have been:

#1 Boston v #16 Washington
#2 Anaheim v #15 Dallas
#3 St Louis v #14 Detroit
#4 San Jose v #13 Columbus
#5 Pittsburgh v #12 Philadelphia
#6 Chicago v #11 New York Rangers
#7 Tampa Bay v #10 Minnesotta
#8 Montreal v #9 Los Angeles

That's 8 from each conference... I like some of those match-ups though - Pit v Phy

Hi,

New blog is now up. Nice win last night!

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=63702

Trust me I know. I am not making judgement until mid Jan.
- VANTEL

You made a judgement last summer.

Based on last year it would have been:

#1 Boston v #16 Washington
#2 Anaheim v #15 Dallas
#3 St Louis v #14 Detroit
#4 San Jose v #13 Columbus
#5 Pittsburgh v #12 Philadelphia
#6 Chicago v #11 New York Rangers
#7 Tampa Bay v #10 Minnesotta
#8 Montreal v #9 Los Angeles

That's 8 from each conference... I like some of those match-ups though - Pit v Phy
- 1970vintage

Interesting, I'd bet a lot of money that the West would have more if the schedules weren't conference-based.