With the excitement building up for the 2021 NHL playoffs, it’s crucial for fans to understand how the postseason format works this year. The NHL has made some changes due to the unique circumstances, so let’s break it down for you.
First off, a total of 16 teams will compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The top four teams from each division will qualify for the postseason in this new format introduced for the 2021 season. These top four teams are determined based on their points percentage during the regular season.
Once the playoff teams are set, the matchups are based on seedings within each division. The first seed will face the fourth seed, while the second seed will compete against the third seed in the first round. This means that teams will only face opponents from their own division until the divisional finals.
The first two rounds of the playoffs are played within the same division to minimize travel and prioritize player safety. This setup adds an extra layer of rivalry and intensity to the matchups, making for some exciting hockey action.
In the divisional playoffs, teams will play a best-of-seven series to determine the winner. The four victorious teams from each division will then advance to the Stanley Cup Semifinals. Here, the remaining teams will be reseeded based on their regular-season performance.
In the Stanley Cup Semifinals, the top remaining seed will face the fourth remaining seed, while the second seed will play against the third seed. As with the divisional playoffs, these series will also be best-of-seven, with the winners advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
Finally, the two conference champions will meet in the ultimate showdown for the Stanley Cup. The championship series is also a best-of-seven matchup, with the first team to win four games crowned as the Stanley Cup champion.
So, there you have it – a breakdown of how the 2021 NHL playoffs work. With the modified format this year, fans can expect intense divisional rivalries in the early rounds, leading to thrilling matchups in the Stanley Cup Semifinals and Final.
Understanding the playoff format can enhance your viewing experience and help you follow the action more closely. So, get ready to cheer on your favorite teams as they battle it out for hockey’s ultimate prize in the 2021 NHL playoffs.