might be the answer to some of the 'criticism' posted here. Usually, the teams that have the 'stars' or create the 'hype' will finish in the first 4 in the regular season, ie Ottawa/Carolina/Detroit/Dallas. Although I do not believe in giving a 'bye' like in football (that would kill any team, not playing for 1 1/2 week in the playoff), why not give a better chance for the teams that finish on top, i.e give them a nice home advantage. The series could be like 3-2-2 instead of 2-2-1-1-1. Sometimes home ice advantage doesn't mean shit, but you never know from year to year... That could be a way to increase the chances of keeping the "hyped" teams in the series.
But that idea would only be good for people who are casual hockey fans - I couldn't care less who is left when my team is out, as long as it's good hockey (which means when it doesn't involve New Jersey
) For my part, I much prefer the playoffs when it doesn't involve Detroit/New Jersey/Dallas/Colorado.
Also, the referees have been TERRIBLE this year, for every series.. But that's another topic
As for the last paragraph of the article, if they want to see a Kovalchuck or a Ovechkin or a Crosby, then change the whole damn draft. The higher picks will be in teams that usually won't make the playoffs for quite some time. Unless you start putting the bottom 8 in the playoffs instead of the top 8, that was kind of a stupid comment IMHO..
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