As the NHL playoffs approach, discussions often arise about the league's current divisional playoff format versus the simpler 1-8 conference seeding used before 2014. A projection for the 2026 postseason, based on current standings and trends, illustrates how the first-round matchups would differ.
Under the old format, the top eight teams in each conference qualify, seeded strictly by points. This often creates different geographical pairings compared to the current system, which prioritizes divisional matchups in the first round. For instance, a top seed could face a stronger wild-card team from another division earlier than they might today.
While the NHL has shown no indication of reverting to the old format, the annual exercise highlights how the structure influences playoff paths and potential rivalries. The current format, introduced for the 2013-14 season, was designed to emphasize divisional competition and reduce travel in the early rounds.
Any such projection remains speculative, as final standings will determine the actual bracket. The core difference between the formats is a recurring topic of debate among fans and analysts regarding competitive balance and tradition.
