Justin Bourne Is Right. Gary Bettman Is Wrong. It's Time To Change The NHL Playoff Format!

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman likes the playoff format just as it is. Playoff series are contested within the division first, before eventually moving on to a conference final. Justin Bourne suggests a conference playoff format where it's 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5. 

In the current playoff format, you can have a really strong division (ie. Central Division) where three of the league's top teams reside. One of those teams (Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota) is out in the first round. On the flip side, you have a really weak division (ie. Pacific Division) where only one team (Anaheim) has more wins than losses. Sub-.500 teams are being rewarded for a mediocre regular season, while some elite teams will be at home watching those mediocre teams play in the second round. Why does the NHL have a regular season that doesn't reward performance for the playoffs? The NHL really needs to rethink their playoff format. Justin Bourne's thoughts via Sportsnet are here.