It would be ridiculous to use a formula, then change it because 2 large market teams are on the outside looking in. Typical NHL if that is how it goes.

if they want to insert the 2 "Big" name teams then give Buffalo and Anaheim the top 2 picks in the draft.
- scol354412

Again, people are so focussed on the allure of the playoffs. Take Chicago. Imagine you own the team. Do you really think that roster has any chance to win a Cup? It's zero. So why would I want to spend a bunch of money flying all of my players and personnel to a host city, pay for all their meals, and expenses, collect $0 in ticket revenue, collect $0 in parking and beer and hot dogs, and then see my team immeditaely eliminated. Sorry. I'd rather tell my players to stay home, stay healthy, and we'll be happy to be in a lottery of 7 teams. There is nothing in it for me, other than being a good partner for the other 30 teams.

No one with any money in Mexico would ever want to come to this poophole.
- Quetzalcoatl

That's a big reason reason why Mexico lost to the US after The Alamo. They ran out of money. Buzztron had Santa Anna taking over as President.

That's a big reason reason why Mexico lost to the US after The Alamo. They ran out of money. Buzztron had Santa Anna taking over as President.
- gergeswillems

Don't give Ek ideas to unleash the Buzztron on politics. He'd go from 27 hockey factors to like 118 political factors. On the eve of the election he'd realize there are independent candidates to consider. After an all-nighter to re-program everything the Buzztron would predict Ross Perot for President. Trump finishes 2nd. Abraham Lincoln gets a single vote...from a young David Poile who was running around the Alamo.

Don’t worry bud, as long as you follow legit insiders, you’ll be ready to break the news to all of us.

Does every team win a participation ribbon?
- Marwood

What do you care you won't be watching.

Don't give Ek ideas to unleash the Buzztron on politics. He'd go from 27 hockey factors to like 118 political factors. On the eve of the election he'd realize there are independent candidates to consider. After an all-nighter to re-program everything the Buzztron would predict Ross Perot for President. Trump finishes 2nd. Abraham Lincoln gets a single vote...from a young David Poile who was running around the Alamo.
- Kooleus

Young David Poile knew Sam Houston very well. Poile wanted Texas to remain independent so he could lead the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup 160 years later. Ek saved the Preds but he also saved the Texans after The Alamo. Santa Anna was defeated when Ek led his Army screaming "Remember The Buzztron!" About 20 years later Ek and young David Poile ran around Gettysburg and defeated Robert E. Lee. The North was woke and freedom for all was imminent.

What do you care you won't be watching.
- LordHumungous

I'll be watching Gudbranson and keeping an eye on Carolina.

Eklund: Should the NYR/Hawks make it over the Sabres/Ducks? News Imminent. B@3:30
- Eklund

Yes.

If the Rangers are out and buffalo is in it’s a total mockery. The rangers don’t play in a division with the two worst teams. It’s not sour grapes, it’s common sense. Rangers are one of the most exciting teams in the NHL, possibly the most exciting. They may not deserve to get in, but they certainly deserve to be in over buffalo
- Slimtj100

It's not dumb because it includes all the teams that had a legit shot at making it before the season shut down.
- Tedge77

Worst argument yet.

If the Rangers are out and buffalo is in it’s a total mockery. The rangers don’t play in a division with the two worst teams. It’s not sour grapes, it’s common sense. Rangers are one of the most exciting teams in the NHL, possibly the most exciting. They may not deserve to get in, but they certainly deserve to be in over buffalo
- Slimtj100

Seem to be reasonable arguments for it to go either way. But here's a cold hard cash fact: NYC and CHI in the tournament over Disney Land and Hotwingville is a HUGE difference in attention and revenue for the League. With a reasonable justification that "the best teams made the tournament" why would the League not opt for the financially preferable option?

Seem to be reasonable arguments for it to go either way. But here's a cold hard cash fact: NYC and CHI in the tournament over Disney Land and Hotwingville is a HUGE difference in attention and revenue for the League. With a reasonable justification that "the best teams made the tournament" why would the League not opt for the financially preferable option?
- WJDiedrich

What's the reasonable argument for Anaheim and Buffalo to make it? Symmetry? Neither of them deserve to make it, and neither do the Hawks nor "the most exciting team". They just don't suck as bad as the Ducks and Sabres.

As much as I'd love to see us in the dance (whatever level of "trueness" you feel like apply to the dance this year,) the Rangers should absolutely make it over the Sabres. It's not even a question.

That said, ask me again once we know if the draft is being rigged for the Red Wings and Senators.

Seem to be reasonable arguments for it to go either way. But here's a cold hard cash fact: NYC and CHI in the tournament over Disney Land and Hotwingville is a HUGE difference in attention and revenue for the League. With a reasonable justification that "the best teams made the tournament" why would the League not opt for the financially preferable option?
- WJDiedrich

So Chicago playing 5 or 6 games and then getting eliminated is going to make a HUGE difference in revenue? Please explain.

It would be ridiculous to use a formula, then change it because 2 large market teams are on the outside looking in. Typical NHL if that is how it goes.

if they want to insert the 2 "Big" name teams then give Buffalo and Anaheim the top 2 picks in the draft.
- scol354412

The formula was top 24 teams. Chicago and NY are in the top 24 teams......

If they want to market the playoffs as top 6 teams in each division, then they will say that.

NJD have same points as Buffaol.and Montreal has 3 more points wuth 2 games in hand... not fair at ll........

NJD have same points as Buffaol.and Montreal has 3 more points wuth 2 games in hand... not fair at ll........

NJD have same points as Buffaol.and Montreal has 3 more points wuth 2 games in hand... not fair at ll........
- thechezman

Which just emphasizes how ridiculous it is for Buffalo and Montreal to make the playoffs. In no way should the Devils be a part of this goat (frank).

They announced the Canada-US border closed for another month to all non essential travel. Didn’t notice hockey listed as essential. Maybe time for some lobbying Ek.
- Canada Cup

Confused by this. I have a harness trainer friend who's down in Florida. Her facility just got the okay to bring all their horses up to Canada for the summer racing series (which they do each year). All the staff from FL including her are allowed to accompany the horses into Canada, just told to self-quarantine at the Ontario training facility for 14 days. The first group of horses got up to Canada over the weekend.

If I am the Ducks I would rather get the higher draft pick than a bottom-rung playoff spot.

If someone thinks the Rangers are the most exciting team they need to watch more hockey. Everyone knows the Leafs are the most exciting team......no deficit is to big to overcome......no lead is too big to squander! Heck, they even took a regular game and made it Disney-movie-worthy by losing to a Zamboni driver!

So league has to play a certain # of games to satisfy their network contracts. Which is driving all of this. They clearly have backed into that number coming up with the 24 team playoff format.

They still have to semi honor the divisional playoff format so certain teams who may have been in under normal circumstances still do. Keeping owners happy.

Chicago would rather have a shot at the #1 pick and start/ continue their rebuild than get into a playoff format they have zero chance of winning.

if the Rangers dont get in, then I demand a top 7 overall draft pick
- jimbo83

you can get in, and give us the top 7 pick

you can get in, and give us the top 7 pick
- homiedclown

that's fair