Interesting playoff conversation

On NHL Live yesterday, Eddie O (who I enjoy there much more in studio than in a game setting) raised an interesting question about the playoffs: what if it were the top 16 teams (regardless of the conferences)? It could set up a situation where the final is two teams of the same conference and ya know, there have been times when it's been said that a conference final would be better than the actual final.

They broke it down if the playoffs were a top 16 and some are pretty damn interesting.

1. Detroit v 16. Buffalo
2. San Jose v 15. Florida
3. Boston v 14. Columbus
4. New Jersey v 13. Carolina
5. Washington v 12. NY Rangers
6. Calgary v 11. Montreal
7. Philadelphia v 10. Vancouver
8. Chicago v 9. Pittsburgh

Now, on the face of things, Philly would have the hardest travel (but hello, the West teams do that all year). I'd love to see Detroit v Buffalo...or how about Calgary v Montreal? The young guns of Chicago and Pittsburgh going at each other? I think it's fabulous.

Only two teams (Dallas and Nashville) wouldn't be in (who are currently in) and Buffalo and Florida make it in (who are currently on the outside looking in). I say go for it! It's been frustrating to me to see a team in one conference with fewer points make it in when a team in the other conference with a higher point total is out. Even up the schedule and lets roll with it.

They also talked about 2 points for a win and none for a loss. I still say this is how it should be.

It's St. Patrick's (sadly, not Roy) Day and if you are into this sort of thing, don't drink too much beer and remember to watch some hockey tonight - there are some pretty good games to be seen!