What’s that mean for hockey fans? I’ll let NESN.com Bruins reporter Douglas Flynn explain the basics below.
“For the Bruins, they would remain with the rest of their current Northeast Division rivals Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, with Florida and Tampa Bay added.
“The current Atlantic Division also remains intact with New Jersey, the Islanders, the Rangers, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh staying together, joined by old Patrick Division rival Washington and Carolina.
“The eight-team divisions would feature a mostly Midwestern collection of Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis and Winnipeg, and a far west union of Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, Colorado, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.
“The top four teams from each conference would qualify for the playoffs, with the first two rounds of the postseason played within the conference. What to do with the four teams to emerge is still to be determined, but they most likely will be reseeded for the Cup semifinals and finals.”
Bruins play-by-play man Jack Edwards thinks its “all based on growing grudges.” Be sure to check out his rant here. If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s that it certainly has an old school feel to it — and that’s a great thing. Right?
