NHL has 'best playoff first round in any sport.' But at what cost?
The NHL's current playoff format has resulted in exciting first-round matchups, but may be too taxing on teams, with commissioner Gary Bettman defending the format as 'the best playoff first round in any sport.' The format has been in place since 2014, and has led to strong series, but also potentially punishes certain divisions.
The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, with an exciting first round featuring strong matchups and divisional showdowns. Commissioner Gary Bettman has defended the current format, saying it provides 'the best playoff first round in any sport.' The format, in place since 2014, pits division winners against wild card teams and has resulted in compelling series. However, it may be too taxing on teams, with some divisions being punished for having strong regular seasons. An alternative 1-8 format would have resulted in different matchups, potentially rewarding teams that had tough regular seasons. The current format has been criticized for decimating rosters heading into later rounds due to the physical nature of the early series.
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