The Basics:
- There are 32 teams in the NHL. Only 16 teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If my math serves me correctly that means that 16 teams are out. Bummer for them, bring out the golf clubs and better luck next year. Let’s have a look at the road to the Stanley Cup for the top 16.
- The top 12 teams are made up of the first three teams from each division according to points earned during the 82 game regular season schedule.
- There are 4 Wild Card Teams – Two from each conference with the highest regular season points totals regardless of their division.
- Home ice advantage in the first two rounds will go to the team that placed higher in the regular season
- In all rounds the teams will play a best of seven series meaning that the first team to win four games will advance to the next round.
First Round Matchups:
- The team with the most points in each division will face off against the Wild Card team with the least amount of points
- The teams that finished second and third in each division will play each other
Round Two:
- Eight Teams Remain
- The first round winners in each bracket will face one another to determine the four teams advancing to the Conference finals
Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Championship:
- Only Four Teams Remain in the Conference Finals (Semi-Finals) and the winners of Conference Finals advance to the Stanley Cup Finals
- In the Conference and Stanley Cup finals the team with the best overall record will have home ice advantage regardless of their teams final standings in their respective conferences.
Conclusion: Only one of 32 teams will have their player’s names engraved on the Stanley Cup each season. It’s a long road full of excitement, disappointment, and ultimate victory for a few proud warriors that are never forgotten. It’s time for the NHL playoffs, so sit back, have a brew and enjoy some great hockey.
Thanks for your time. Please leave comments and suggestions below.
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