Wow, my first ever entry… I’m felling a little nervous as I type.
Well, I thought my first topic should be something controversial that will surely elicit some feedback.
I put forth that the NHL scrap the 7 game Stanley Cup final format and instead go with a one game winner-takes-all format. All other rounds would still be best 4 of 7.
That’s part 1 of my suggestion. Part II is to scrap the mid-season all-star game. I think the all-star game should be played after the season is over but before the Stanley cup game.
For 7 days following the 3rd round of the play-offs we would have:
Rookies and prospects skills competition
Rookies and prospects all-star game
All-star skills competition
All-star game
Stanley Cup final
The all-star games would exclude players would are playing in the final.
This event should be held around May 24 weekend… ball-hockey tourneys, tail-gate parties, concerts, etc…
I think it would be awesome.
I’m a little tired of hockey right now and an event like this would get me back into it… but that’s just me. What do you think?
No one cares about the All-star game as it is. Ditto for the ridiculous skills competitions. I do agree the playoffs go on FAAAAAAR too long.
Round 1 best of 3 (Top 12 teams quality – 4 divisions – 2nd place plays 3rd – 1st gets bye). Round 2 best of 5 (Round 1 winner vs first). Rounds 3 and 4 best of 7.
I think making a end of season week long event would hide the fact that the all-star game is crap. It would just be a side show to the big event.
As for your one game winner take all idea. That’s what they did in the NASL – and look what happened to them. Not enough $$$ in it either – the networks would hate it.
Right Cliff… the one game thing will never work…
See SUPERBOWL as an example.
NHL season is way too long, I’d simply like to see a best 2-of-3 series in the first round, a best 3-of-5 in the second and third, and finish with a best of 7 when – in theory – the two best teams are competing. The single game thing works for the NFL, but I’m with Cliff, it wouldn’t work for the NHL. There’s just not the interest level, they need to milk what they can.
I’m someone who enjoys the All-Star Game, and I see no reason to change it at all. There’s no real threat of injury or fatigue, and it’s a nice mid-season break.
I’m not tired of hockey, but only because my teams have been in it. Last year I could have cared less when it was down to Edmonton and Carolina, I can’t stand those two. Kinda wishing the season wouldn’t be stretching into June, though.
I would keep the all-star format the same… just move it. Can’t create enough buzz with just one game.
I’m calling Gary tomorrow. If Cliff and Rick are agaisnt it… it must be a good idea.