NHL player representatives sound off on playoff format

Published

In an Associated Press and Canadian Press survey of player representatives from all 31 NHL teams, 48.4% favored changing the current divisional playoff format. A selection of player responses:

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"In my opinion, I prefer the 1 plays 8 format. Divisions that are stronger have teams eliminated in the first round that should have a chance to gather steam and make pushes deeper into the playoffs." — JONATHAN TOEWS, Chicago.

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"Everyone knows what it should be: 1 through 8. The way it used to be." — JUSTIN FAULK, Carolina.