[mithrilG60]

I also think the NHL needs to seriously look at ditching the conference system all together. Yet again this year you have teams from the west, Dallas and Calgary, that finish with better records and more points than the 8th seeded team in the East yet they're off to the links while the Rangers prepare for a first round exit.

I like the idea of top 16 qualify regardless of conference or division. Then the teams pick like on a schoolyard; #1 picks their choice of first round opponent from the bottom 8, #2 then does the same followed by #3, #4, #5 and so on and so until all the 1st round matchups are decided. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds then move in a traditional tournament ladder based on the winners of the 1st round. That actually rewards the top placing teams for their effort and consistency over the regular season, prevents teams like this year's Rangers from piping teams with better records and makes for a more exciting playoffs.