In one-hundred seasons of Maple Leafs hockey, the franchise from Toronto has set a new all-time (franchise) record in wins with 45. It’s certainly a sign of their on-ice dominance. Picking up 5-extra wins from last season is an amazing feat. However, their fantastic regular season doesn’t mean the Leafs will have an easy matchup in the opening round of the NHL Playoffs.
Ahead of the Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division are the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins. Being the third best team in not only the Atlantic Division but Eastern Conference would net the Leafs playing the 6th overall team in the Eastern Conference – if the format was old. With the new format, Toronto could be facing a team that’s higher in the standings, despite being third in the East.
Maple Leafs’ forward Nzaem Kadri has voiced his displeasure with how the playoff seedings currently work. “I don’t love the new format. I don’t think you should be able to have a season like we’re having and still face a team that’s had a better season. Home ice, how we’re rolling, that plays an important role. I’m not a huge fan. It’s just the hand we’re dealt.” Kadri voiced his opinion in an interview with Sportsnet.
Is it time to go back to the old, more traditional format? The current format was created to cut down on travel in the playoffs and not cross-over time zones, while also creating rivalries. However, the old-format rewarded top seeding teams by playing lower seeds in the opening round.
