Without going to a conference set-up, where there are no divisions, and completely balanced schedules the current system is probably the best one available. Sure, they could simply grant an automatic playoff berth to all division winners, and not hand the top 3 seed to them, but at the end of the day, if a team is going to make a Stanley Cup run it's going to have to get through the best teams.

If a team isn't good enough, they will be exposed if they're a 1 seed or a 8 seed.
- Jsaquella

I'd prefer going back to a league of 4 divisions, 2 conferences. Top 4 from each division make the playoffs, with divisional seeding. 1 v 4, 2 v 3, then reseed. Divisional playoff winners meet in the Conference Final. Conference Final winners meet in the Stanley Cup Final.

YMMV.

/omtp

They have a largely younger fanbase no doubt and that's where the bandwagon term comes from I guess. But it's a disservice to us old timers that actually watched when Richard Tarnstrom led the team in scoring and Milan Kraft was our "star".
- canadianpenfan

I always hated Rico Fata

I agree. Most people probably feel that the team that plays Florida will have an advantage as were the Flyers squaring off against NYR or Pittsburgh can take a toal in the first round.

Their all professional teams and no series is going to be easier than the other. Anything can happen thats why its important to bring your A game every single night.
- stveshdy

Hell, look at 2010. The top seeds were toast by the end of round two. Sure it might be tougher to beat the Pens or Rangers in a round one matchup, but you're also likely going to be facing them as healthy as possible.

Without going to a conference set-up, where there are no divisions, and completely balanced schedules the current system is probably the best one available. Sure, they could simply grant an automatic playoff berth to all division winners, and not hand the top 3 seed to them, but at the end of the day, if a team is going to make a Stanley Cup run it's going to have to get through the best teams.

If a team isn't good enough, they will be exposed if they're a 1 seed or a 8 seed.
- Jsaquella

Oh I'm not saying it even gives them an advantage. I'm saying it puts the teams that finish better at an unfair disadvantage. I could live with giving them an automatic playoff birth even if it means the 8th seed. Look how the playoff picture would change if it was done that way.

I'd prefer going back to a league of 4 divisions, 2 conferences. Top 4 from each division make the playoffs, with divisional seeding. 1 v 4, 2 v 3, then reseed. Divisional playoff winners meet in the Conference Final. Conference Final winners meet in the Stanley Cup Final.

YMMV.

/omtp
- Flyskippy

I'd love that as well, but then you hear the same complaints that we heard when the realignment plan was announced.

Moral of the story... every fan base has its idiots.

Just seems that, of all the orgs., the Pens fans are the most uncouth of the lot.
- jak521

I've run into some horrible Habs and sabers fans the last few seasons at the Well..... Some really bad ones...

Yeah, and I don't think it does. I like the premium put on winning the division. It makes division races more important and that is what I want. Especially when a division is clearly weaker. It still gives teams something to play for.
- MBFlyerfan

Plus, it's up to the crappy teams to get better. It's not washingtons fault the rest of the division has been awful. It's just bad luck for the flyers that all the teams in their division are competitive. You can't say winning the division doesnt matter simply because 1 or 2 divisions are weaker than others right now.

Hell, look at 2010. The top seeds were toast by the end of round two. Sure it might be tougher to beat the Pens or Rangers in a round one matchup, but you're also likely going to be facing them as healthy as possible.
- Jsaquella

In 2003 and 2004, the pair of Toronto series helped the Flyers' being worn down in the next series against the Senators ('03) and Lightning ('04).

EDIT: This post means, "I agree."

I'd love that as well, but then you hear the same complaints that we heard when the realignment plan was announced.
- Jsaquella

Meh.

Oh I'm not saying it even gives them an advantage. I'm saying it puts the teams that finish better at an unfair disadvantage. I could live with giving them an automatic playoff birth even if it means the 8th seed. Look how the playoff picture would change if it was done that way.
- JoeRussomanno

OK as of right now:

Round 1
Rangers vs Washington
Pittsburgh vs Florida
Philadelphia vs Ottawa
New Jersey vs Boston

The only team that would have home ice that has a significant advantage on paper is Pittsburgh.

I'd love that as well, but then you hear the same complaints that we heard when the realignment plan was announced.
- Jsaquella

Much rather keep things the way they are now than go to that ridiculous plan

Yeah, and I don't think it does. I like the premium put on winning the division. It makes division races more important and that is what I want. Especially when a division is clearly weaker. It still gives teams something to play for.
- MBFlyerfan

Yea, but what does NJ have to play for? They cant win the division, so they are going to be stuck at either a 5 or 6 seed... But if we didnt give the first 3 spots away, they could be battling for home ice right now... Still a strong battle, and just as important...

In 2003 and 2004, the pair of Toronto series helped the Flyers' being worn down in the next series against the Senators ('03) and Lightning ('04).

EDIT: This post means, "I agree."
- Flyskippy

Yes, I understand. You can have a physical war that drains a team's strength against a bottom seed, too. Look at 1996. That Tampa series really banged the Flyers up-especially LeClair, who was basically playing the rest of the playoffs on one leg.

OK as of right now:

Round 1
Rangers vs Washington
Pittsburgh vs Florida
Philadelphia vs Ottawa
New Jersey vs Boston

The only team that would have home ice that has a significant advantage on paper is Pittsburgh.
- Jsaquella

U don't think the rags have and advantage over the caps?

Ive never had an issue with the format. Could it be better? Maybe, but I don't think it's necessary.

Yea, but what does NJ have to play for? They cant win the division, so they are going to be stuck at either a 5 or 6 seed... But if we didnt give the first 3 spots away, they could be battling for home ice right now... Still a strong battle, and just as important...
- RooNosHockey

What do they have to play for? I don't know, maybe getting their game ready for the playoffs??

Yea, but what does NJ have to play for? They cant win the division, so they are going to be stuck at either a 5 or 6 seed... But if we didnt give the first 3 spots away, they could be battling for home ice right now... Still a strong battle, and just as important...
- RooNosHockey

They have an chance to get to 4th. Remember a month ago, when people handed the East's top seed to the Rangers?

I've run into some horrible Habs and sabers fans the last few seasons at the Well..... Some really bad ones...
- RooNosHockey

If you don't think the flyers have some retard fans you are clueless. 30 teams in the NHL have retard n00b fans.

Without going to a conference set-up, where there are no divisions, and completely balanced schedules the current system is probably the best one available. Sure, they could simply grant an automatic playoff berth to all division winners, and not hand the top 3 seed to them, but at the end of the day, if a team is going to make a Stanley Cup run it's going to have to get through the best teams.

If a team isn't good enough, they will be exposed if they're a 1 seed or a 8 seed.
- Jsaquella

The whole point in getting points in a regular season is to put yourself in a better position to win.

Example... If Flyers and Penguins have to play in round 1 instead of meeting in round 3... The winner of the series could be so worn out, injuried ect that the next team that would have been a lower seed and managed to win could have an "easier" change to beat the better team... Thus you have nullified the advantage of the "better" team by making them play a tougher team in the first round....

I find it amusing and quite interesting how all other blogs have anywhere from 10 to 20 people on talking hockey on HB, however, Philly always has like 300 to 1200 posts a day. Just goes to show, we are the best

If you don't think the flyers have some retard fans you are clueless. 30 teams in the NHL have retard n00b fans.
- IronCity

How much longer do my eyes need to ache at reading opposing fans mudslinging attempts?

I find it amusing and quit interesting how all other blogs have anywhere from 10 to 20 people on talking hockey on HB, however, Philly always has like 300 to 1200 posts a day. Just goes to show, we are the best
- Deasr1

I think the samething when I read opposing fans come in here trying to rain on our parade

U don't think the rags have and advantage over the caps?
- JoeRussomanno

Sure. I think the Flyers have one over Ottawa. But the only team that is significantly better than it's opponent is Pittsburgh.

I think the samething when I read opposing fans come in here trying to rain on our parade
- JoeRussomanno

Definitely, we can do that ourselves!

Definitely, we can do that ourselves!
- Deasr1

yea it's not like we don't realize the team's strenghts and weaknesses. Oh well whatever makes them feel better.