how do the nhl playoff matchups work
The NHL didnât just realign its divisions this season; the league came up with an entirely new playoff format. This yearâs Stanley Cup Playoffs still includes 16 teams, eight per conference.ut there are some new tweaks with the addition of wild card teams. Under the new format, the top three teams in each of the four divisions automatically qualify for the post-season, while the remaining two playoff spots per conference are given to the teams with the most remaining points.