Debate topic:
If the playoffs were to start today, the 2nd & 3rd best teams in the NHL would play in the first round.
By the end of the second round two of the top three teams in the entire NHL will be eliminated from the playoffs!
Dallas and/or Minnesota are better off dropping down to the first wild card spot than finishing higher in the standings.
How is this good for the league? It punishes excellence, kills potential blockbuster matchups in later rounds, and undermines the entire 82-game (soon 84-game) regular season grind. Teams battle all year to earn the highest possible seed and the advantages that come with it, only for the format to throw that merit out the window.
Division rivalries, less travel, it changes every year. Yes, those factors exist. But they don’t justify a system where the best teams knock each other out early while lesser seeds move on.
The fair, logical fix: Go back to true conference seeding 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5. Reward the regular season. Protect the top teams. Deliver better, more meaningful hockey throughout the playoffs.
It’s mind blowing to me that more GM’s aren’t more vocal for this change.
Thoughts???
I’ll hang up and listen ✌️
The Leafs have only had 3 coaches in the Matthews era. Multiple other top contenders have had more in that same window:
Dallas: 6
Edmonton: 5
Florida: 5
The idea that this group has had too many coaches is simply not true.
3 weeks until go time!
This season I’m giving back so much more to you beauts to show you my appreciation for the love & support!
IT STARTS RIGHT NOW!
For the first time I’m coming to Toronto for the home opener!
I’ve got 2 lower bowl tickets and I’m bringing one of you with me
To enter just like and share this!
Leafs vs Habs Oct 8th.
Time to create some positive energy for the buds ahead of the new season!
Draw will be in 1 week! Good luck!
YESSSSSSSSSIR! NOTHER BEEEER
#LeafsForever #leafsnation #mapleleafs @syc_brewing
Before we make any trades up front, this could be a deep lineup
Domi - Matthews - Knies
Patches - Tavares - Marner
McMann - Minten - Willy
Lorentz - Dewar - Grebenkin
IF Matthews is back, you run:
Bertuzzi - Domi - Marner
Knies - Matthews - Nylander
Robertson - Tavares - Jarnkrok
Dewar - Kampf - Holmberg
Sorry Reaves. Thanks for the hits and what not but we need to steamroll this team.
I have to say, it was baffling that Calle Jarnkrok got the PP1 nod in Willy’s absence rather than Tyler Bertuzzi, who notably carried the mail for the Bruins on the power play last year. Lot of things need to be fixed for tomorrow but that’s a necessity