How do the NHL playoffs work is a great question and we have the answer right here at Hockey Tidbits. Out of the 32 teams in the NHL only 16 will make the playoffs. The other 16 get an early start to their golf season.
Golfing is a great game but I am sure that those players would rather be lacing up the skates to take a shot at Lord Stanley’s cup. Better luck next year boys.
How Many Teams Make The NHL Playoffs?
The playoffs consist of the top three teams from each of the four divisions, totaling 12 teams. The other 4 teams that make the playoffs are known as wild card teams. These teams are the highest-placed finishers other than the top 3 teams from each conference, based on their regular season record.
The two wild card teams from each conference may end up being from the same division. A strong division could send 5 teams to the playoffs while the other division would then send only their top 3.
How many rounds are in the NHL playoffs?
There are a total of four rounds in the NHL playoffs.
In the First Round, the division winner with the best record in each conference will face off against the wild card with the lesser record. Meanwhile, the wild card with the better record will play the other division winner. The teams finishing second and third in each division will meet in the First Round within the bracket headed by their respective division winner.
The winners of the first round within each bracket will then play one another in the Second Round to determine the four participants in the Conference Finals.
The all important home-ice advantage through the first two rounds is awarded to the team that placed higher in the regular-season standings.
The final two rounds are the conference finals with 4 teams and the Stanley Cup finals with the winner from each conference.
In the Conference Final and Stanley Cup Final, home-ice advantage goes to the team that had the better regular-season record, regardless of the teams’ final standing in their respective divisions.
These four rounds dwindle the teams from 16 to 8 to 4 and finally leave only two teams to compete for the Stanley Cup.
How many games are in a series?
Each of the four rounds are played as a best-of-seven series which means that the first team to win four games wins the series and advances to the next round.
Home ice advantage is important because each series has a 2-2-1-1-1 format. This means that the team with the best regular season record will play games 1-2-5-7 in their home arena while their opponent will host games 3-4 and 6. A team could sweep a series which means they win the first four games making games 4,5, and 6 unnecessary.
Well folks, there you have it – the NHL playoff format in all its glory (or perhaps some may argue, confusion). Despite the changes over the years, it’s clear that the league is always trying to find ways to make the playoffs more exciting and competitive for fans. While this format may not be a perfect solution, ultimately what matters most is thrilling hockey games and moments that keep us on the edge of our seats. Whether your team made it to the playoffs or not, let’s enjoy these high-stakes games while we can!
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