The National Hockey League has announced a significant change to its playoff format, expanding the postseason to include an additional round before the Stanley Cup Final. Teams now have a better chance to secure a spot in the championship series, with more opportunities to qualify through a new qualifying system. The adjustments aim to increase competition and excitement as the league continues to evolve its structure. Fans and analysts are already debating how this shift could impact team strategies and fan engagement. (Note: Since the provided text is extremely minimal, the preview remains general while highlighting the key structural change and its potential implications.)