Division-Focused Playoff Format: Impact on Stanley Cup Champions
The NHL has been using a division-focused playoff format for over a decade, sparking ongoing debates about its effectiveness in crowning a Stanley Cup champion. During a three-year period from 2016 to 2018, the Pittsburgh Penguins led by Sidney Crosby clashed with the Washington Capitals led by Alex Ovechkin in the second round, with the victor ultimately lifting the coveted Cup. Similarly, the Edmonton and Los Angeles teams faced off in the first round for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025. These matchups have fueled discussions about the impact of the division-focused playoff structure on determining the ultimate champion.