“Sports Fix” is a periodic feature in which the good folks at SportsRantNY provide common sense solutions to all the world’s sporting problems.
In 1979-80 the NHL expanded to 16 playoff teams. It was a widely ridiculed move because, at the time, there were only 21 total teams in the league. Playing 80 regular season games to eliminate 5 teams seemed excessive and helped contribute to the general feeling among casual fans that hockey wasn’t worth following until the playoffs.
Times have changed. 45 years later, professional leagues and college tournaments continue to expand playoff participation, yet the NHL still has 16 playoff teams. In our opinion, a perfect balance of 16 teams making it to the tournament, and 16 headed to the draft lottery.
In recent years, specifically since the NBA created their play-in tournament, there has been pressure on Gary Bettman and the NHL to consider expanding the playoffs. “We’re not giving any thought to expanding the playoffs,” Bettman said last April. “We have no interest in it. What we have is working very well”.
Despite those comments, the outside pressure continues every year from thought leaders like NHL Insider (TSN, NHL Network) Elliotte Friedman, who has advocated for expanded playoffs on his “32 Thoughts” podcast this past January, and last spring on the “Spittin’ Chicklets” podcast.
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The common reason given for expanding playoffs is to create fan enthusiasm and revenue. Having said that, that’s exactly what playoff races are for. For example, in the Eastern Conference, the eight teams currently out of a playoff spot (including our New York Islanders and New York Rangers) are separated by eight points with 11 days left in the season. These teams have essentially been playing “playoff hockey” for two months. That brings value to the regular season, increasing interest, attendance and ratings.
Now, the other reason often cited for expanding playoffs is about being fair to teams that deserve to be in the playoffs. Well, check out the current NHL standings. If the season ended today, NONE of the 16 eliminated teams would have scored more goals than they have given up. As a matter of fact, 15 of those 16 teams are at best a -12. Last year’s President’s Trophy winning Rangers, at -1, are the sole exception.
It took 45 years, but the NHL has it right. The playoff races make the regular season relevant, the teams that are eliminated are mediocre, and the actual playoffs are exciting.
Bottom line, even Sports Fix doesn’t want to fix what’s not broken.
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