Fixing the Schedule

Besides ratifying a new CBA and proposing rules changes, the NHL will be looking to change the schedule format to increase local rivalries.

Under the new regular season schedule, each team will play eight games against the other four teams in its division. That’s 32. Then there will be four games against the other 10 teams in the same conference, bringing the total to 72. Finally, with an element somewhat similar to the NFL’s, teams will play two games against each team in one of the divisions in the other conference.

I’ve been preaching about it for years (here’s an article I wrote at the end of 2002 for hockeyfights.com about the NHL using an unbalanced schedule). It’s the perfect time to make this change. While I’m sure every market is happy when the Red Wings or Rangers come to town, I’m sure Hurricanes-Ducks and Penguins-Wild don’t peak the interest of many. The league needs to sell tickets, generate interest and local rivalries are one of the easiest ways to do that. Teams will also save money on travel expenses, and I’m sure none will complain about that.

Update: The Daily News Journal not only speaks of the schedule changes, but prints a preliminary copy of the Predators’ schedule.

Posted by David M Singer on Jul 20, 2005 at 12:51 PM
NHL

Comments

Yeah I'm not sure I trust that article One) If a schedule has been made, why hasn't every teams been leaked like that? Second) There is most certainly no All-Star break but there is a break for the Olympic games. Third) Larry Brooks is reporting that the schedule format might be you play two divisions from the other conference, one division you play 1 game home and no road, the other 1 game road no home. I guess we'll find out for sure in a couple days.
Posted by Phil on 2005-07-21 00:21:51 One problem I can see....the lack of games between West and East Canadian teams. Who doesn't like Toronto vs Edmonton or Calgary vs Montreal? The Northeast should play the Northwest twice a season. I know the game doesn't need promotion in Canada but those games sure are a lot of fun. What happens to Hockey Day in Canada? I also noticed the Daily News Journal article mentions an All Star Break...wasn't that cancelled?
Posted by Fitz on 2005-07-20 20:27:28

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