Huge statement from Gary Bettman on the playoff format

"The reason it's so good is because the regular season and playoffs are meaningful," Bettman said. "Having half of our teams eligible is, I think, the right balance, I think it creates great competition throughout the regular season. The Stanley Cup is the hardest to win, and there's nothing in any sport like our first round."

"Look, I love the fact that people are so passionate about the game that there's always a debate about what we can change, but change for the sake of change, or change because someone else is doing it differently, under the right circumstances can make sense, but for us, right now, we like where we are."