biggest issue is that this is the 1-8 system not being used. Yeah the east would probably have the same matchups, but we badly need to fix the format again. I am growing tired of LA/EDM in the first round.
Agree. I didn't have any problem with the 1-8, etc. seeding matchups. Detractors may argue that it makes the bracket much more predictable, and true, if it was applied this year, East is pretty much the same and the West only has COL playing EDM and WPG playing LA. It would be fun to see cross-division play in the first round but I also understand the travel implications and also the benefit of having same-division rivalries develop. In that vein, even the old Norris/Smythe/Patrick/Adams divisions with 1-4, 2-3 play, with the winners coming out of each division - that would support inter-division play, but that can also get boring fast with the (relatively) same teams.
I suspect we will not see an EDM/LA series next year, as both teams are moving in different trajectories, and I think LA is on the precipice of the eventual rebuild, and I would be surprised if they made the playoffs next year but then again many of the other teams in the West are going through a similar situation, so who knows...
Regardless, happy camper here today with the Oilers getting it done last night.