Four divisions of seven teams each.
(Adams, Patrick, Norris, Smythe)
Two conferences.
(Wales, Campbell)
Adams Division:
Boston Bruins
Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa Senators
Quebec Nordiques
Detroit Red Wings
Buffalo Sabres
(The other divisions are negotiable)
42 games out of division. One home, one away for each team.
36 games within the division. 3 home, three away for each team.
78 games total.
Eliminate the instigator penalty, the third man in penalty and penalties for leaving the bench. I’d eliminate the shootout and trapezoid, also.
OT would be 5 on 5, 10 minutes of sudden death. If tied after 10, the game remains a tie. Winners get two points, losers get zero points. In the event of a tie, nobody gets a point. Points are only awarded for wins.
Lastly, if the Quebec Nordiques ever win the Stanley Cup in this proposed universe, Gary Bettman is to be publicly flogged in front of the Chateau Frontenac until he cries.