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Series: players demand the old format (1c8)

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 11:27 PM ET

I’ve always been of the opinion that, to be the best, you have to beat the best. Well, that’s not really my opinion, more a fact, but hey,that’s why the new (not so new) playoff format has its charm: teams usually face division rivals in the first series. In recent years, we’ve seen curtain-raiser clashes between the Leafs and Bruins, two teams that could win the Stanley Cup, and the Floridian teams have played each other many times, too. In short, several big teams saw their playoff runs come to an end in the first few days. The best format for the playoffs is 1c8, 2c7, 3c6 and 4c5, there’s no doubt about that, in my opinion. The players actually agree with me, as they’re calling for a return to this format.

A change to be expected in the NHL?

(via @wyshynski) pic.twitter.com/nIQqqaOZIWp– RDS (@RDSca) September 12, 2025

With this format, the Habs would still have played the Caps last year, but instead of the Leafs, the Senators would have played the Lightning. Toronto, even though they won against the Sens, would have faced a much more difficult opponent (Devils). Finally, the Hurricanes would have faced the champions: the Florida Panthers. In the West, the Stars would not have faced the Avalanche and the Kings would not have played against (and lost to) the Edmonton Oilers. In short, it would have been vastly different, and the 1c8 format once worked well. Will we see it again soon? In the past, many have floated the idea of a mixed format between the two 1c16, 2c15 associations… That’s a no. Although I wouldn’t say no to a Canadiens-Leafs Stanley Cup final… [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Yes.

We’ve got a real good one in Alex Carrier https://t.co/7VHLgGcGbC –

HFTV (@HFTVSports) September 13, 2025

– Too bad.

As reported here, Corey Perry was injured during a skate today. He’s undergoing further evaluation, and not sure if there will be an official update before camp begins. https://t.co/fOICw1QtlN –

Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 13, 2025

– He has big aspirations.