The Stars and Wild are playing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite having the second- and third-best point totals in the Western Conference, but the league does not seem to be leaning to changing the format. Calls have increased for seeding teams 1-8 instead of having divisional matchups comprise the opening round, though NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly noted the league feels the current system has “served the league well and continues to serve the league well.” Daly: “I have a tough time believing that anyone isn’t intrigued or interested in the Dallas-Minnesota matchup in the first round of the playoffs. They may want it later, but they’re getting it early.” Daly also reiterated the league’s stance that a play-in format for the final two playoff spots in each conference, similar to what the NBA has, is unlikely. He said, “I actually paid attention a little bit to the NBA this year and looked at their standings. With about a month left in the season, they didn’t really have any teams competing for play-in spots -- or for playoff spots, for that matter. All 10 teams were basically designated in each conference, the teams that were going to make the playoffs or make the play-in. Meanwhile, we had 26, 27 teams competing for playoff berths. I think our last month and a half was super compelling, and I’m not sure the NBA can say the same thing” (“NHL Morning Skate,” NHL Network Radio, 4/20).
NHL unlikely to change playoff format to straight seeding
