Do Seedings Really Matter?

Hockey Talk

The structure of the NHL playoffs seem to be about as fair as you can make it, with the 1st seed playing the 8th seed, the 2nd playing the 7th, etc. The idea is that teams with the better records throughout the regular season play the playoff eligible teams with the worst record, providing incentive for the teams to get the higher seed. The higher seeds also get home ice advantage in that they get to play the first two games at home, and the deciding 7th game at home as well. While playing at home may give a slight advantage to the home team, I believe in general home ice is not as important as some would make it out to be. Playoff caliber teams win at home and on the road, and while most have a slightly better record at home, there are teams such as Anaheim that have a better road record than home. The other thing that can negate the seeding matchups is that many teams heading into the playoffs make significant roster moves picking up key players that make them a different and in many cases better team than the record indicates. Overall, while the higher seeds win the majority of the time, it seems that every year, there is a lower seed or two that makes it to the Conference or Stanley Cup Finals, and some favorites get bumped out early. That's what makes the playoffs so interesting and unpredictable. The key thing I believe is just to get into the playoffs, and after that, anything is possible.

Washington Capitals Hockey
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