Have you ever heard something that, at the time, you consider ridiculous, but later rethink to yourself, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm that idea was not so crazy after all?

 

Well, the NHL and NBA’s recent discussion (I am not sure how serious) on implementing a radical change to their first round of the playoffs is something that, I believe, upon reflection, has some merit.

 

Now, do not get me wrong, the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs is usually the best as evidenced this year with most games determined by a single goal.

 

So, what could possibly add to the drama? Welcome to the world of “Pick Your First Round Opponent”. The concept would work something like this: the top seed in the conference selects its opponent providing that team is ranked 5th to 8th. The second team would choose among the remaining three, the third team would pick among the last two, which leaves team four against the remaining club.

 

For instance, this year, in the NHL Western Conference, it would unravel like this: #1 San Jose could pick #5 Detroit, #6 LA, #7 Nashville, or #8 Colorado. #2 Chicago would select one team among those not chosen by the Sharks. #3 Vancouver would have two opponents to pick from and #4 Phoenix would get the one club avoided by the top three. The Eastern Conference would follow the same layout.

 

The NBA would also follow a similar conference playoff format involving the top eight seeds.

 

Now, “hold the phone” for just a minute, this is not a “gimmick”. The NBA's Developmental League is following this design, and the BCHL has tried it in the past. NBA Commissioner David Stern recently stated that the league’s competition committee would make a decision whether to adopt a format where teams pick their first round opponent. Stern has also stated the NBA will look into the concept "after the way it functions in the D-League can be studied.”

 

This idea, unquestionably, if implemented, will be the most radical change in the history of North American professional sports.

 

But think for a moment! Is this concept crazier than ending regular season NHL games with a
shootout? The public bought into the shootout because, in part, fans wanted it. Well, I bet those same fans, and perhaps even the purists, would welcome such a change once they recovered from the initial shock.

 

If adopted, this format will certainly add to rivalries. Just imagine if the Canucks finished first and picked the Flames, who finished sixth. Think of the hype, the insults, and the possible bitterness. What if the Rangers came second and chose the Islanders who wound up fifth. New Yorkers would get a kick out of that.

 

Under this format, there will be more importance with finishing in the top three. Currently, home ice advantage is the only reward, and that can change in one game.

 

Teams could also save millions of dollars on travel. For example, a Vancouver-Edmonton series is certainly more economically attractive of a trip than a Vancouver vs Detroit match-up. If the Florida teams collided, maybe this could ignite an interest for hockey in the south.

 

The top three Western Conference teams were all thankful this year that they did not face the Detroit Red Wings in round one, yet it appeared the Wings were destined for sixth, seventh, or even eighth because of a slow start.

 

Here is another way to look at this concept. Let us assume the Canucks finish first. They have four opponents to choose. Under the current system, they play number eight. However, for the sake of argument, say team seven, for example Chicago, has lost Toews, Kane, and Seabrook due to season ending injuries. Should Vancouver have the luxury of playing Chicago?

 

I will admit I did chuckle when I first heard about this. However, the more I analyze this situation, the more I buy into it. I now believe that this is progressive thinking and demonstrates leadership. The extra media hype and attention would only add to the intrigue. Instead of the Washington Capitals running away with the east and nobody talking about number one anymore, they would be forced to think about who they will play in the post-season. Television networks could also make a big production about this especially on the final day of the regular season.

 

The one problem I see is that everyone would want to play the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. Oh yes, that is not a problem at all since recent history shows they do not make it that far.

 

  

 

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