The National Hockey League’s upcoming expansion presents an opportunity to modernize its playoff structure, which has remained largely unchanged for decades. With more teams entering the league, critics argue the current format risks diluting competition and extending postseasons unnecessarily. Proposals include adjusting seeding rules or introducing new qualifying rounds to maintain fairness and excitement. The debate highlights how growth in the league could force a reckoning with long-standing traditions.

The NHL is expanding. It’s time for the playoff format to do the same  Deseret News