I'd prefer the 1 v 8, 2 v 7 etc in each conference then E v W in the Finals.

Lot of articles out there, this recent one is pretty good.

I can understand why the NHL does this, they want big time matchups in the first two rounds, and they don't really care if the Conference Finals are Junk. They will take their chances they aren't.

Because if Teams are upset in early rounds then the NHL is "cheated" out of good matchups. So they make sure they happen, and they don't give a #### it if happens in the early rounds.

My attitude is sure the Format is Dumb but the WILD were going to have to play Colorado no matter what, and it will be some Fun hockey to watch. SO let's go.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2026/05/01/stanley-cup-playoffs-structure-rework-nhl-divisions-hockey-format/89893504007/

By the conference finals, imbalances are clear. In 2025, both series finished in five games. In 2024, they finished in six. 2023 saw a sweep and a six-game series. 2022 was the same. There hasn't been a seven-game conference final since 2018.