I believe the format in the first 2 rounds is that the teams within each division are seeded 1-4 and play off until there is a winner in each division. Therefore all 4 divisions will be represented in the semifinals. The 4 divisional playoff winners will then be reseeded for the semifinals based on points. I personally am disgusted by this format, but it is what it is. The Canadian division will have a team in the semifinals whether they deserve it or not.
ok then it’s confirmed that we will have at least one Canadian team in the semis ... that’s how I had initially understood it before the season started..... what happens after that nobody knows , that’s sports .... of course I would have wished for the Leafs/Oilers/Jets (Won’t even mention the Habs at this point) to be more gritty and defence oriented as those two traits gives one a better chance to go deep come playoffs...
@Jupiter9 I understand your disappointment with the league tinkering and rearranging the divisions but under the circumstances what did we expect.... it’s not an ideal format as a lot of teams more deserving of making the playoffs will probably be left out .... it is what it is , and whether or not anyone wants to put an asterisk next to this season’s Stanley Cup champions is up to them ..... let’s not forget that all the leagues have been affected in one way or another....
P.s . would the Heat have made it to the finals if last year’s season wasn’t so short? ... would Brady’s Buc’s have won the SB if they had to play in New Orleans or Green Bay with full capacity crowds making those teams home field advantage count ? I personally doubt it ...