Gresh & Zo: Realignment Of The NHL
BOSTON (CBS) – Re-alignment is set to hit the NHL.
CBC's Elliotte Friedman created a stir over the weekend, giving out the details on what the NHL will likely look like next season. There will be two eight-team "Eastern Side" conferences and two seven-team "Western Side" conferences, with a wild-card scenario being discussed for the Western conferences.
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Here is a look how the four conferences will reportedly look:
Eastern Side
Conference 1
Carolina
Columbus
New Jersey
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington
Conference 2
Boston
Buffalo
Detroit
Florida
Montreal
Ottawa
Tampa Bay
Toronto
Western Side
Conference 3
Chicago
Colorado
Dallas
Minnesota
Nashville
St. Louis
Winnipeg
Conference 4
Anaheim
Calgary
Edmonton
Los Angeles
Phoenix
San Jose
Vancouver
So what are divisions now would be their own mini-conferences come next season. It would change the entire playoff picture, and could lead to some interesting Stanley Cup showdowns. Those details are still being ironed out, and the NHLPA still has to approve it – something they did not do in 2011 when the owners first brought their re-alignment proposal.
From a Bruins standpoint, they'll now have to face off against the Detroit Red Wings four times a season and most likely again to advance in the playoffs. But, it means four of the "original six" teams are in Boston's conference, making for some great old-time hockey matchups.
98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh & Zolak discussed the proposed changes on Monday. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
