MikeBossy

@5Fivehole0     Sportsnet said the issue of 1 v 8, 2v 7 (old format) was raised at the GM meetings but that the 'league' likes the existing format as it allows for tighter games/series in the first 2 rounds, which creates more viewership. I guess they feel, as more teams drop out, you get fewer and fewer watching the playoffs as we move to the finals, which means less tv revenue, which makes sense. So from a revenue perspective they want the best match ups early when everyone is watching to max tv revenue. They also felt it creates more rivalries. I am with you, what matters to me, you, real fans is the best 4 teams in the semis, and best 2 in the finals. Last year, that actually happened anyways, but many years it has not. What's the point being a top team over the 82 game schedule if you don't get an advantage come playoff time. I loved the old format as well.

Only thing placing high gets you now is home ice advantage, really.

Their style of defense involves very aggressively pressuring the puck carrier. It works if everyone is in sync, but it also leads to a lot of blown coverages.

Even if they manage to get past the Bruins, the Lightning will probably bury them.