NHL Conference Standings

[swervinmervin]

My vote was no. I have always preferred playoffs that are based on divisions. It fuels rivalry. Quite apart from the self-interest that it gives our Jets a better chance maybe this year, I just like the idea of making the divisions mean something. And I like smaller aggregations of teams - not larger. It fosters rivalries, and is more fun, IMO.

Needless to say I am a huge fan of the proposed realignment. I think it would be better if you had a potential cross-over playoff berth in the new alignment, but I can also live with it just the way it is, in terms of playoff berths. I can wait a year for realignment, but I think it will be way more interesting that the current format.

Divisions all the way. A conference of 15 teams is too large to help in fostering rivalries. And by giving a big reward to the division winners in the current system, it gives some meaning to the divisions. Otherwise, they would have no relevance at all.

[jetsorbust]

To be honest though, I think the current way is honestly the best. It's pretty fair as far as the ability to make the playoffs, and the division does matter since you need to win it to finish in the top 3.

I think the only reason a change is being suggested is because of the travel problems of Western Conference teams. That and I suppose trying to have teams (Detroit) play more away games that would be televised in prime time rather than late at night.

The rest of the given reasons though are mostly just fluff to add to the arguement, although I agree with swervin, a cross-over for playoffs would make me think this is a bit better system at least.

[floatyghosthat]

It makes Divisions matter. I now actually care about a game between Florida and Tampa.