When looking across the landscape of the major professional sports postseasons, there’s one system that simply doesn’t fit with the others. It’s not because it’s less thrilling or comes with cautious reminders that it’s actually ongoing. It’s because once a team is in, a team has a shot at the grand prize, despite seeding.
The postseason in question is the National Hockey League’s playoff system and the grand prize is the coveted Stanley Cup.
Unlike the NFL, MLB and especially NBA, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are a complete crapshoot. From the top team in the land to the club who managed to squeeze in by the hair of its chinny-chin-chin, they all have a legitimate shot.