League News: NHL Talk - (News n' Scores n' Stuff) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[Pigskin]

The top of the Metro is ridiculous right now. The Atlantic kinda blows so far. At least we have 4 games in hand on NJ. And are 2nd in P%.

It’s gonna be a long bloodbath trying to secure a top 3 spot.

agree

we can't do much more and we are only keeping up with the Rags and the Canes

 

[marcel snapshot]

Metro Atlantic strength disparity (which may not last) wouldn’t matter as much if the playoff format entailed a crossover M1 v A4, M2 v A3, M3 v A2, M4 v A1 from the get go. Makes for more interesting 1st round matchups, and creates a greater likelihood of division rivals meeting deeper into the playoffs, which ups the intensity. This thing where we have 2 rounds of play against the same teams we’ve been playing all year makes no sense to me - but little that comes out of Gary Bettman’s head does

 

[qc14]

Metro Atlantic strength disparity (which may not last) wouldn’t matter as much if the playoff format entailed a crossover M1 v A4, M2 v A3, M3 v A2, M4 v A1 from the get go. Makes for more interesting 1st round matchups, and creates a greater likelihood of division rivals meeting deeper into the playoffs, which ups the intensity. This thing where we have 2 rounds of play against the same teams we’ve been playing all year makes no sense to me - but little that comes out of Gary Bettman’s head does

Yea there are a lot of things media people complain about (season too long, not marketing stars enough, tv schedule not good, 2-1-0 points system, etc.) that I think are overblown to one degree or another. The playoff system is not one of them.

Not even about the "fairness" of it to me but just that these matchups get so boring

 

[Ridley Simon]

I’m a purist. Grew up watching the divisions battle it out to make it to the conference finals.

So I have no issue — like at all — with the playoffs structure.

I’m so draconian, that I miss ties and loathe the 3 on 3.

So

 

[Marshall]

I’m so draconian, that I miss ties and loathe the 3 on 3.

Preach!

 

[Kalopsia]

I’m a purist. Grew up watching the divisions battle it out to make it to the conference finals.

So I have no issue — like at all — with the playoffs structure.

I’m so draconian, that I miss ties and loathe the 3 on 3.

So

Seems to be a pretty unpopular opinion nowadays, but I miss ties too. I don't really know why, maybe nostalgia for the way they did things when I was a kid, maybe the uniqueness of being the only one of the big 4 sports where ties were a regular occurrence, but I'd really love to have them back. Can't stand shootouts, even when the Caps were good at them.

As for playoff formats, I just want something that's simple and easy to explain. The current format with the two wildcards is a pain in the ass to explain to new fans. Either get rid of the wild cards and go all in on the divisional thing by taking the top 4 from each division and having them all face off, or just make the division winners the top 2 seeds and then fill in the next 6 like the previous format. The hybrid approach is the worst of all worlds - you screw over teams from strong divisions while still not really making it a true divisional playoffs because of the wildcard crossovers.

 

[Chokingdogs]

Yeah, I miss the old Patrick division playoffs, being weaned on them in the 80s. Lots of hard fought, intense games, even if it was the caps on the losing end…every time.

The PO battles and such carried over to the RS, made those games MOAR fun as a result.

 

[BallardEra]

You guys need to go check the Pens board “Around the NHL” thread.

They are accusing Ovechkin for being on steroids his whole career.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

You guys need to go check the Pens board “Around the NHL” thread.

They are accusing Ovechkin for being on steroids his whole career.

If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t tryin!

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

You guys need to go check the Pens board “Around the NHL” thread.

They are accusing Ovechkin for being on steroids his whole career.

They’re probably right, as long as Coca-Cola, chicken parm, and Ledo’s pizza count as steroids.

 

[DWGie26]

They’re probably right, as long as Coca-Cola, chicken parm, and Ledo’s pizza count as steroids.

And Zyn’s. They all like the Swedish ones too. They hit harder (allegedly).

 

[BallardEra]

 

[Hivemind]

Glad that hes having fun again

 

[RedRocking]

Celebrini is going to be a good one. First GWG on a nifty shot (that maybe Talbot should have had). The Shark Tank might be a fun place to go again.

 

[Nogatco Rd]

Bruins home loss to CBJ last night was their first official non-sellout in over 15 years

 

[Nogatco Rd]

I’m a purist. Grew up watching the divisions battle it out to make it to the conference finals.

So I have no issue — like at all — with the playoffs structure.

I don’t mind it either but I also wouldn’t hate it if they mixed it up.

I’m just glad they’re the only big 4 sport that hasn’t expanded the playoffs. Not that I have an issue with other sports adding playoff spots - just think it would hurt the overall product if done in hockey.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Celebrini is going to be a good one. First GWG on a nifty shot (that maybe Talbot should have had). The Shark Tank might be a fun place to go again.

3 on 3 goals are about as impressive as Kuzys KHL beer league goal

 

[trick9]

Bruins home loss to CBJ last night was their first official non-sellout in over 15 years

If only the Senators and Sabres didn't suck, they might even miss the Playoffs.

I wouldn't mind, but i don't really see it. The only reason i really care is that the Caps own the Bruins 2nd rounder.

 

[qc14]

I don’t mind it either but I also wouldn’t hate it if they mixed it up.

I’m just glad they’re the only big 4 sport that hasn’t expanded the playoffs. Not that I have an issue with other sports adding playoff spots - just think it would hurt the overall product if done in hockey.

Another controversial take of mine but I think the play-in tournament in the NBA has worked really well and I would like to see something similar if the NHL expands past 32 teams. I think in general it doesn't really change the race for the last slot too much but also contrary to popular belief makes the regular season mean more as there's a more stark difference between being a six and a seven seed. It would also hopefully give teams more of a reason to stop tanking.

The NHL has also had a 16 team playoff for much, much longer than it has had 32 teams, expansion wouldn't be that unnatural

 

[Midnight Judges]

You guys need to go check the Pens board “Around the NHL” thread.

They are accusing Ovechkin for being on steroids his whole career.

I mean, that is very clearly and specifically against global hfboards forum rules.

But hey, it's against Ovechkin so all good.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

If only the Senators and Sabres didn't suck, they might even miss the Playoffs.

I wouldn't mind, but i don't really see it. The only reason i really care is that the Caps own the Bruins 2nd rounder.

I think seven teams from the east are already set: Florida, Toronto, Tampa, New York (R), New Jersey, Carolina, Washington. I don’t know that the Bruins make it… they are tied with San Jose for the 2nd worst GD at -21. They’re probably going to fire Montgomery soon to try and salvage the season.

I think my money is on Ottawa making it in. They’re playing well and had a tough schedule to start.

 

[Kazer]

I think seven teams from the east are already set: Florida, Toronto, Tampa, New York (R), New Jersey, Carolina, Washington. I don’t know that the Bruins make it… they are tied with San Jose for the 2nd worst GD at -21. They’re probably going to fire Montgomery soon to try and salvage the season.

I think my money is on Ottawa making it in. They’re playing well and had a tough schedule to start.

With the current playoff points percentage line in the East sitting at .500, nobody is truly out of it (even Montreal), but Ottawa seems the most likely out of that group.

My sleeper pick would be Philly. They're heating up after a slow start, and they've also had a tougher schedule than many of the teams they're competing against.

 

[Nogatco Rd]

I wouldn't mind, but i don't really see it. The only reason i really care is that the Caps own the Bruins 2nd rounder.

Good call I forgot about that.

 

[Nogatco Rd]

Another controversial take of mine but I think the play-in tournament in the NBA has worked really well and I would like to see something similar if the NHL expands past 32 teams.

How many games in each play-in series? 3 or less seems like too much variance is involved, 5 or more and that puts the play-in teams at a huge disadvantage in terms of total games played

I think in general it doesn't really change the race for the last slot too much but also contrary to popular belief makes the regular season mean more as there's a more stark difference between being a six and a seven seed. It would also hopefully give teams more of a reason to stop tanking.

These are both good points

 

[IafrateOvie34]

Another controversial take of mine but I think the play-in tournament in the NBA has worked really well and I would like to see something similar if the NHL expands past 32 teams. I think in general it doesn't really change the race for the last slot too much but also contrary to popular belief makes the regular season mean more as there's a more stark difference between being a six and a seven seed. It would also hopefully give teams more of a reason to stop tanking.

The NHL has also had a 16 team playoff for much, much longer than it has had 32 teams, expansion wouldn't be that unnatural

Agreed and I hate the NBA. If they keep adding teams expand the format a little.