Why? Outside of seeding in the first round of the playoffs, the playoff teams are on a conference basis. In fact, whenever I check the standings, I immediately change the view to “Conference” instead of the default “Divisional” view without even a glance at it.
In all honesty, I don’t even know why they have divisions in the first place. I guess that, by clustering the teams in smaller groups (divisions), they make the hopeless teams look less hopeless and out of it than they actually are.
Divisions still matter the way it’s currently set up. Top three teams of each division, regardless of points, make the playoffs. So, it’s the tight Metro division that has teams bouncing around from top three to out of the playoffs., while the Atlantic division’s fourth place team is behind Also, the teams in each division play each other four times, as opposed to only three or two for the other division/conference.
The Islanders pulled out a win tonight against the Kings after starting out down by two. Then, the Devils did the Isles a favor by smoking the Flyers 5-0. So, NY is back in the top three and ahead of the Wild Card for now. Whew.
That was true before the most recent changes. Divisions are very much a factor for the first two rounds. There is no longer a reseeding between rounds. The top three in each division go into a playoff bracket with a wildcard team.
I agree that the focus on divisions creates some weird results like the top two teams in the league possibly playing in the second round.
Scary: Jay Moumeester collapses on bench..
Good to hear latest update is that he’s conscious and alert.
General manager stated it was a cardiac epidosde.
The Bouwmeester thing sounds very much like the Rich Peverley incident. Peverley had known heart issues but never played again.
A few years ago, the Thrashers goalie collapsed on the ice, was carried off and play continued. How do they decide?
Well, the attending doctors and medical staff assess each situation, obviously. In the case of Pavelec, he fainted. I assume his heart rate and other vital signs were fine.
Bouwmeester needed defibrillation!
Surprised to learn that Detroit’s Jeff Blashil is the third most tenured coach right now.
Heh - and Torts is fourth. 
I guess my question wasn’t clear. Once the player is assessed and removed for further treatment, the on ice situation is no different than any other in-game injury. Teams play a man down all the time.
Being down a man is no big deal. Players get injured all the time, as you mentioned. But in Bouwmeester’s case his teammates and opposition almost saw him die, and for all they knew he possibly still COULD die.
No one wants to concentrate on a stupid hockey game knowing your teammate could be fighting for his life.
I’m sure Berube told the refs his team couldn’t continue, and I’m sure Eakins, Anaheim’s coach, said “No problem. Let’s reschedule.”
From there the refs would have contacted NHL HQ in Toronto who would have had no issues with a rescheduled game.
By the way, when the game is rescheduled it will be a full 60 minute game, but will start as a 1-1 tie. I assume that is to allow the stats, goals, assists, etc. to remain.
I should have googled. This was from the St. Louis paper, Armstrong is the Blues GM.
Ah. Thank you. I didn’t see that.
Also adding that a few of the required “medical personnel” accompanied Boumeester to the hospital, thus leaving the game understaffed per NHL requirements…
On a side note Jay successfully underwent an ICU (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) procedure…Bouwmeester is my favorite Blues player. Two years ago when everyone here was trashing him i held fast and believed he would return to his IronMan form, which he did! He was the first person Petro handed the cup to after winning the Cup in '19.
I, sadly, doubt he will return to the game.
My thoughts too when I read about the medical procedure. Hey, he’s in his 19th season and is only signed for this year. I’d say he’s had an exceptional career.
Zackass got lucky with only a 7 game suspension.
Imagine if that skate blade had slid along the jersey and went upwards.:eek::mad::eek:
Great game tonight, huh Leaffan? 
Good lord, that’s happened twice before – we don’t need another.
I’m really glad I didn’t watch it.
The Senators celebrated Chris Phillips’ jersey retirement with a 7-4 win over Buffalo – exactly the type of game Phillips preferred to play in :p.
Well, I assume you’re watching tonight. 
Oh well, maybe this’ll keep us on our toes, if you know what I mean?
I really, really hope Kahun isn’t seriously injured. This is NOT good.