Hockey Playoffs Best Of 5 Or 7
The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs are one of the most exciting events in sports. Every year, 16 teams battle it out in a quest to hoist the Stanley Cup – the most prestigious trophy in professional hockey. But one question that always comes up when discussing the playoffs is whether the first round should be a best-of-five or a best-of-seven series. In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each format and try to answer that question.
Best-of-Five Series
The best-of-five series was the NHL’s standard playoff format from 1975 to 1986. It was re-introduced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which led to a shortened season. In this format, the first team to win three games advances to the next round. The best-of-five series has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Best-of-Five Series
- Shorter duration: The best-of-five format is shorter than the best-of-seven format. This means that teams that win the first-round series will have more time to rest and prepare for the next round.
- Upsets are more likely: In this format, the underdog teams have a better chance of pulling off an upset. A few lucky bounces or a hot goaltender can change the outcome of the series.
- More intense: A best-of-five series is more intense than a best-of-seven series because each game is more important. Every goal, every save, and every hit counts.
Disadvantages of Best-of-Five Series
- Less fair: A best-of-five series is less fair because it doesn’t give the better team enough time to prove their superiority. In a three-game series, a team that wins two games can move on to the next round even though they may not have been the better team overall.
- Injuries: The shorter format can lead to more injuries because players are playing more intensely over a shorter period of time.
Best-of-Seven Series
The best-of-seven series has been the NHL’s standard playoff format since 1987. In this format, the first team to win four games advances to the next round. The best-of-seven series also has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Best-of-Seven Series
- Fair: A best-of-seven series is a fairer test of a team’s ability because it requires them to perform at a high level over a longer period of time. The better team is more likely to win the series.
- Reduces randomness: The longer format reduces the likelihood of a lucky bounce or a hot goaltender being the deciding factor of the series.
Disadvantages of Best-of-Seven Series
- Longer duration: The downside of the best-of-seven series is that it takes longer than the best-of-five series. This means that teams that win the first-round series will have less time to rest and prepare for the next round.
- Less intense: A best-of-seven series is less intense than a best-of-five series because teams have more margin for error. In a seven-game series, a team can afford to lose a game or two and still have a chance to win the series.
Conclusion
So, which format is better for the first round of the NHL playoffs? There is no clear answer. The best-of-five format is more intense and increases the likelihood of upsets, but it is also less fair and can lead to more injuries. The best-of-seven format is fairer and reduces randomness, but it takes longer and is less intense.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Some fans prefer the shorter, more intense format of the best-of-five series, while others prefer the fairer, more methodical approach of the best-of-seven series. Regardless of the format, the NHL playoffs are always a thrilling event that should not be missed.