As the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff season heats up, debate is swirling around the current playoff format. With 16 teams competing in a best-of-seven series, the road to the Stanley Cup can be a long and grueling one, with many teams facing difficult matchups and lengthy travel schedules. But is the current format truly the best way to determine the league's champion, or are changes needed to make the playoffs more competitive and exciting? In this article, The Hockey News explores the pros and cons of the current playoff format and considers potential alternatives, including the possibility of a 16-team tournament with a more balanced seeding system. Will the NHL be forced to rethink its playoff structure in the face of growing criticism and fan discontent?


Should The NHL Playoff Format Be Changed?  The Hockey News