It's Not Broken...So Let's Fix It: NHL's Board of Governors Overhauls Conference Configuration, Eliminates Divisions

(Photo via thehockeynews.com)

What the fuck? What the mother fuckin' fuck, god damnit! (My apologies to all of our young readers) That was my reaction regarding the NHL's Board of Governors approving the new realignment for the 2012-13 season. Here's what it might look like:

(Via Puck Daddy)

If you want in depth reaction and analysis, check out Puck Daddy cause you won't get it here. I'm pointing out what's utterly whack and what's somewhat positive i.e. ranting. From the jump, I don't mind the new configuration. We've all seen the benefit of amalgamation, so maybe less is more. Here's my first issue: wiping out the divisions in favor of 4 conferences. What the what? Well, the "what" is the effect on the playoffs and its current beloved state.

I'm a guy who likes change. Heck, I believe its a necessity to bring shit to the next level...as long as there is a clear benefit. I don't see it here. From the information I gathered on the Binary Boulevard, the top 4 teams from each conference would qualify for the annual tournament. Enter the crappy scenarios.

Crappy scenario #1: if your fave team is in a strong conference, they could have a killer season and not make it to the dance. On the flipside, you'll be enraged when teams in other conferences with less points make it to the playoffs.

Crappy scenario #2: the first 2 rounds of the playoffs will be within the 4 conferences so expect the same redundant matchups year over year. What irks me is that the top 8 seeds from each side will not get their due credit.

Crappy scenario #3: once the inter-conference match-ups are settled, you're looking at 4 conference champs. Looks like the cat who makes conference championship banners is in the money! The remaining 4 teams will be re-seeded (I'm assuming based on points gathered during the season) with the top playing the bottom. It would be technically possible for the Habs and Flyers to play for the Cup. Bruins and Rangers, Canucks and Blackhawks. Phoenix and Nashville (yikes). You get the point. I enjoy watching the beast in the East versus the best in the West. It's been working for 30 years and has brought us some amazing memories and series.

I was jamming out with a co-worker about playoff formats a while back and I was telling him that the NHL has it right. He's a huge NBA fan and thought that the basketball format was aces. So I asked him if it was fair for a team to work all season for the top seed (in order to play a lower seed) or to potentially draw a top 4 team because of the bracket system. His response was that the lower seeded team have the ability to sweep a powerhouse. Well, that could happen with any match-up. There is no advantage in being the king of the conference hill in the NBA (besides home court). High versus low. Keep it real.

All this to say that I can't stand the NHL Commish and his Bettmanian ways. He claims he had no affect on the outcome, and that the Board of Governors spoke with their votes. He forgot to mention that he's been lobbying like a mofo since Atlanta moved to Winnipeg. Calling the Board Members, selling their his plan. Don't you think that this is a grandiose change for one relocation? Weaselman has plotted this realignment for a long time. My source (I got no one) told me so. The puck is now in the NHLPA's rink as they hold the final shot. It's up to the players union to vote this into oblivion or reality.

-Paqman