NHL Realignment

JackofDiamonds · Post by **JackofDiamonds** » March 14 13, 12:28 pm

Finally official, the NHL is realigning starting next season. The new format goes back to divisional playoffs, with 4 geographically distinct divisions, the top 3 of each make up the first 12 teams in the playoffs. The final two playoff spots per conference are wild card format, with the next two teams, regardless of division, making the playoffs. First two rounds are division playoffs, then conference, then Championships.

Looks like this (sorry Florida):

thrill · Post by **thrill** » March 14 13, 1:44 pm

Looks like room for a possible team in Seattle along with the new arena for the Sonics.

letsgocards89 · Post by **letsgocards89** » March 14 13, 1:48 pm

I wonder if the Florida teams are in the NE conference because of plans for relocation

JackofDiamonds · Post by **JackofDiamonds** » March 14 13, 1:49 pm

trill wrote:Looks like room for a possible team in Seattle along with the new arena for the Sonics.

No doubt, though if Toronto gets a second team (there's a strong lobby for it right now), it's going to screw up the weights again.

The new alignment is up for review in 2 years... so expect 2 new teams then.

thrill · Post by **thrill** » March 14 13, 2:09 pm

They can have the Coyotes.

I wonder what kind of presence the Canucks have in the Sea-Tac area. Wonder if it would cannibalize that fan base at all.

JackofDiamonds · Post by **JackofDiamonds** » March 14 13, 2:13 pm

trill wrote:They can have the Coyotes.

I wonder what kind of presence the Canucks have in the Sea-Tac area. Wonder if it would cannibalize that fan base at all.

Can't move the Kye-otes outside of the West because the west is already 2 teams lighter than then East. Also, 7% harder to make the playoffs in the East than in the West. EAST COAST BIAS.

lukethedrifter · Post by **lukethedrifter** » March 14 13, 3:39 pm

I thought they were contracting.

st.lewis11 · Post by **st.lewis11** » March 14 13, 8:16 pm

I don't feel sorry for the Florida teams at all, they still stay in the time zone, & the distance geographically to their Canadian foes are closer than what some teams in other divisions are with theirs.
Examples: Edmonton vs. Phoenix, Dallas vs. Winnipeg, etc.

Popeye_Card · Post by **Popeye_Card** » March 14 13, 8:59 pm

Kinda sucks for Popeye_Card, as it means fewer games against Detroit and C'bus (the closest to him). But he likes that division.

mikechamp · Post by **mikechamp** » March 16 13, 5:28 am

lukethedrifter wrote:I thought they were contracting.

I would think this would be more likely than expansion. The NHL doesn't need more teams for Bettman to screw with.

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NHL Realignment

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