Best reason why the NHL won't be coming back this year (season)

[Brian Fein]

I can tell you that THIS Panthers' fan wants to go to every remaining home game now.  I have talked to a few others who feel the same way.  Believe it or not, the NHL may come back even stronger now.

[miamid45]

I can tell you that THIS Panthers' fan wants to go to every remaining home game now.  I have talked to a few others who feel the same way.  Believe it or not, the NHL may come back even stronger now.

Also, seems to be good value ticket prices and all...compared to here in Montreal, where a decent seat runs $150 PLUS.

[wyvernmcd]

Believe it or not, the NHL may come back even stronger now.

I'll believe this when Bettman and crew are gone. They knew about this contract problem (the CBA) for over a year before the start of the regular season and did nothing. In fact, if there was not an outside mediator to resolve the petty issues that was holding the season hostage, there would have been a full season lockout.

Happy the NHL is back to save the sport of hockey in the US, but I do not believe that it is coming back better than before.

[Dave Gray]

I think they should run a shortened season every year.  The NBA did it last year and it was really exciting.  ...compact, and every game had meaning.

[Brian Fein]

I've heard that they are eliminating inter-conference games to keep the schedule short.  I like it!  Its like baseball now - 2 leagues with the winner of each play each other at the end.

They should do that every year!

Proof that 88 games is too many, but the games are just more opportunities to make money for the team.  You don't need more than 30-40 games to determine which team is the best.

[EDGECRUSHER]

Proof that 88 games is too many, but the games are just more opportunities to make money for the team.  You don't need more than 30-40 games to determine which team is the best.

The Kings didn't make the playoffs until Game 82 last year and then they steamrolled every team in the playoffs. 48 is not enough. They can probably cut it to 72 like the NBA, but nothing less than that.

[Spider-Dan]

The NBA also has 82 games.

http://82games.com

[EDGECRUSHER]

I know it does, I misspoke. I meant they should cut it down to 72 games, like the NBA should.

[Brian Fein]

^^ And add MLB to that as well.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

You can detemine what teams go the playoffs with just 16 regular season games. 

But there would be no way to cram in all the beer commericals you have with a longer season. 

[Brian Fein]

I would say 3 games against each opponent would be sufficient.  There's the anomaly upset but 3 games would be consistent and level your team in the field.  1 game, while it would seem could be enough (NFL style), could truly be affected by injury or a bad call by the refs, etc.  Would rather let the law of averages take that stuff out of play.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Off topic.... but how does this sound for the NFL

Nine regular season games.  (You play each division rival three times --- that is it)

Each division winner advances to playoffs. 

One bye week.

Play off round 1 - You play each conference team once.

Best two teams advance to conference play off - best of three series.  (could be only two games if you sweep.)  If you sweep you get a bye week, otherwise no bye week.

Superbowl best of three. 

[Brian Fein]

^^ Isn't that how soccer works, like for World Cup?  Group play, best two advance to tournament.

I kinda like it but some teams seasons would be over quickly.  And it wouldn't let anyone ever see other stars unless they get to the playoffs.  Its an interesting concept.

[Spider-Dan]

Off topic.... but how does this sound for the NFL

Nine regular season games.  (You play each division rival three times --- that is it)

Each division winner advances to playoffs.

One bye week.

Play off round 1 - You play each conference team once.

Best two teams advance to conference play off - best of three series.  (could be only two games if you sweep.)  If you sweep you get a bye week, otherwise no bye week.

Superbowl best of three.

Under the current system, excluding preseason (which is unaddressed here):

- 20 teams play 16 games
- ~4 teams play 17 games
- ~6 teams play 18 games
- ~2 teams play 19 games

Under your system:
- 24 teams play 9 games
- 4 teams play 12 games
- 2 teams play 14-15 games
- 2 teams play 16-18 games

Sorry, but I don't think anyone would want to see 75% of the NFL lose nearly half of their games.

[Sunstroke]

It would also kill fantasy football...

VETOED!!