NHL: Please Change Tie-Break Format!

Although a rare event, the tie-break is one rule that needs changing.

Right now, if two teams are tied for eighth and ninth the one with the most wins would make the playoffs. I think this is a terrible way for a team to lose their chance at the cup.

While I am not suggesting this to determine any other tie than eighth and ninth, I think a one-game playoff would be the best way to determine who makes the playoffs. With the team with the most wins being the home team in that game.

This would be great for the league.

Just this year, there was something similar to what I am proposing. The last game of the regular season, the Rangers and Flyers played in a winner-take-all final game. The Flyers won this game in a shootout. This was one of the most exciting games of the regular season.

This system is even used in professional baseball. In the rare occasion where an extra game is needed, the games have not disappointed. The past three seasons have needed a tie-break game to determine who makes the playoffs. Every one of these three games have been won by one run, and two have needed extra innings (2007 and 2009). Tie break games have been game sevens without the first six games.

The question is, why shouldn't the NHL use this tie break format?

If the answer is rarity, consider that just last season one of the games would have been needed. At the end of the 08/09 season, The Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadians had the same record (41-30-11). But Montreal made the playoffs because they had more points head-to-head.

Even though Florida was the better team down the stretch (6-3-1 and won their last two as opposed to 5-3-2 and losing their last four)they were not given the chance at the the post-season. I don't think this is right, the better team should make it.

All in all, a one game playoff to decide ties between eighth and ninth would be a perfect move for the NHL. It would add the excitement of a game seven before the playoffs even start, the right team will make the playoffs and it has worked in other leagues.