How a 24-team Stanley Cup Playoffs would go for the Montreal Canadiens
By Omar L
Step 2: Proto-First Round
The first portion of the playoffs in this scenario would only include 16 teams. The first four teams in each conference, based on points percentage, would sit this one out while the remaining take part in a best of three playoff series that lasts across four days. The AHL does this in their Calder Cup Playoff format as the first round is a best of three while the remaining are the usual best of seven.
The matchups would then be set in best vs. worst in each conference. The NHL playoffs used to sort their series like this before the change to this division-focused format took place.
Eastern Conference
- Penguins
- Leafs
- Hurricanes
- Islanders
- Blue Jackets
- Panthers
- Rangers
- Canadiens
Western Conference
- Stars
- Canucks
- Predators
- Flames
- Jets
- Wild
- Coyotes
- Blackhawks
That would have the Montreal Canadiens face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. The last time the Habs and Pens matched up in a playoff series was in 2010 after upsetting the Washington Capitals in the first round. Montreal was down 3-2 in the series but managed to win games six and seven and a ticket to the Eastern Conference Final.
After the proto-first round is finished, the playoffs would continue as usual, with only 16 teams remaining. It will be a tougher ride for the lower teams to fight to the top as they would’ve played an extra series over the higher-seeded teams, but it’s not the hardest trophy to win for nothing.
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The format suggested by Johnston isn’t set in stone. There are other ideas in play and executives are still fielding ideas. However, if this ends up with the Montreal Canadiens playing playoff hockey, then there will be a serious degree of interest in the tournament this year from French Canada.