NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Evolution of Format, Teams, Rules, and Changes Over the Decades

Starting from the 1926-27 season, the National Hockey League champions have received Lord Stanley’s Cup, which stands as one of the most esteemed awards in all of athletics. This grueling path to emerge victorious as the final team remaining renders winning the Cup potentially the toughest achievement in North American sports.

The Stanley Cup playoffs have consistently presented a challenging journey. Over the decades, what has frequently altered is the structure that decides this path. the NHL's postseason winner .

Present Stanely Cup Playoff Structure

A total of sixteen squads advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs. The initial twelve slots go to teams finishing as one of the top three in their respective divisions: Atlantic and Metropolitan belong to the Eastern Conference, whereas Central and Pacific represent the Western Conference. The final four places are awarded via wildcard criteria; these positions are taken up by the two groups within each conference having secured the most points from amongst those not partaking directly through divisional standing.

The Stanley Cup playoffs consist of four stages where victors are decided through best-of-seven game matches. Clubs that accumulated more points during the regular season enjoy home-ice advantage. These series follow a 2-2-1-1-1 schedule, with teams holding home-ice advantage playing at their venue for Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, whereas their rivals host Games 3, 4, and 6.

During the initial match-ups, the division winners holding the strongest records in their conferences will compete against the wildcard teams having the lowest standings. Should a wildcard have a superior record compared to others, they would face off against another division winner instead. Meanwhile, the teams finishing second and third in every division will go head-to-head under brackets led by their corresponding division champions.

The first-round victors proceed to the second round. Those who win in the second round will go on to compete in the conference finals. Finally, the champions from each conference face off in the Stanley Cup Final.

In the initial two stages, home-ice advantage is granted to the team that had a superior standing during the regular season. For the conference finals and the Stanley Cup Final, the team with the stronger overall performance in the regular season earns the home-ice benefit, irrespective of their divisional ranking.

If two teams are level on regular-season points, the following criteria will be used to break the tie:

1. Superior points percentage: The smaller number of games played.

2. Regulation wins (RW): The majority of wins not including those achieved during overtime or through a shootout.

3. Regulation win plus overtime victories (ROW): The majority of wins not including those achieved through a shootout.

4. Total wins: The majority of games secured regardless of the method.

5. Head-to-head points: The highest points accumulated from matches between tied teams amongst two or more groups. If multiple clubs haven't competed equally against one another, specifically when one team has an additional match ("odd" game), this initial encounter won’t count towards tiebreakers. For scenarios involving over two tied clubs, the ratio of total points gained out of possible points from their mutual encounters (excluding these “odd” games) shall decide rankings.

6. Goal differential: The larger discrepancy between goals scored and goals conceded throughout the regular season, encompassing those tallied in overtime as well as those gained through shootout victories.

7. Goals scored: The higher aim total throughout the regular season, encompassing goals scored in overtime as well as those granted for winning shootouts.

Criteria for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The NHL consists of 32 teams, and each team plays an 82-game regular season. According to what was stated, 16 teams make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs, with eight from each conference qualifying.

Here’s how the 16-team tournament unfolded for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, culminating in the Florida Panthers beating the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in an exciting seven-game series.

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Miss Grand International Nguyen Thuy Tien Banned From Leaving Vietnam for Alleged False Advertising Scandal

Miss Grand International 2021 Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien has been temporarily banned from leaving Vietnam from March 15 to May 15 for an investigation into misleading advertising of Kera Supergreens Gummies, a fiber supplement.

Miss Grand International 2021 Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien. Photo from Tien's Instagram

The travel restriction was imposed by the Dak Lak Provincial Police, following earlier action against Tien, who was fined VND25 million (US$969) for failing to disclose that her promotional social media posts about the product were sponsored—an apparent breach of advertising regulations.

In Dec. 2024, Tien announced a collaboration with online influencers Pham Quang Linh and Nguyen Thi Thai Hang to launch Kera Supergreens Gummies . On her Facebook account, which boasts over 2.6 million followers, Tien promoted the product, describing it as a convenient and nutritious snack suitable for both children and adults, claiming "a gummy contains a dish’s worth of vegetables."

However, a consumer later discovered discrepancies between the advertised ingredients and the actual content of the product after taking it to the Quality Assurance and Testing Center 2 for testing. The results revealed that the entire 30-gummy box contained only 0.51 grams of fiber, far less than advertised, leading to public backlash.

In response to the complaints, Tien removed the related posts from her Facebook page.

The Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department later released the results of a product test for Kera Supergreens Gummies, conducted at the request of the Ministry of Health’s Food Safety Department. The department confirmed that the test results for the gummies showed the levels of sugar, protein, fat, and energy content "were generally consistent with the official Product Self-Declaration." However, the product’s packaging did not mention fiber content, despite the product being marketed as a fiber supplement.

Given these findings, officials determined that Kera Supergreens Gummies is not a "fake" item.

Tien, Linh, and Hang were later called in for interrogation, during which they all confessed to supplying incorrect details regarding the product. Linh and Hang each received fines of 140 million Vietnamese dong for their deceptive advertisements, whereas Tien offered a public apology.

At just 26 years old, Tien became the first Vietnamese competitor to make history by winning the contest. Miss Grand International title.

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Herbert Proclaims: 'This Super Season Is Rugby's Finest Ever!'

Daniel Herbert, the chairman of Rugby Australia, considers the level of skill, entertainment, and competitiveness exhibited in Super Rugby this year to be unparalleled throughout the tournament’s 30-year span.

The ex-Wallaby center who has won the World Cup typically doesn’t boast, but Herbert felt driven to speak out following another weekend of matches in the Super Rugby Pacific.

So far this season, the quality of the competition has been highly praised. Statistics indicate that the average points scored per game have reached an all-time high. Furthermore, the average margin of victory is among the smallest recorded in history.

However, Herbert thinks that the beginning of the 2025 season not only ranks among the finest witnessed in Super Rugby history since its inception in 1996 but stands as the pinnacle.

I simply believe it's the finest the competition has ever appeared," Herbert stated. "Everyone from my era tends to recall past times when these events took place. It's quite evident that we've never witnessed football or rugby at such an impressive level before.

Given the numerous impressive teams and performances over the last thirty years in Super Rugby, this assertion stands out as significant. However, Herbert, who played throughout much of the tournament’s initial ten-year span with Queensland in 120 matches, feels that today's level of competitiveness and aggressive playing style has reached "a peak never seen before."

"If you consider the history of this competition, we've consistently seen teams perform strongly...especially early on," Herbert stated.

The Brumbies were dashing about during the 1997-98 season with a brand of rugby that was quite novel at the time. Whenever the Hurricanes fielded Lomu, Cullen, and Umaga in their back three, it was truly spectacular. And then there’s the brilliance of the Reds from 2010-11, followed by the remarkable victory of the Waratahs in 2014.

But I don't believe we've ever witnessed such balanced competition before, particularly with all Australian teams excelling simultaneously. We're seeing a brand of rugby that hasn't been consistently demonstrated by every team until now. The athletes are displaying a proficiency we haven't observed in quite a while. Each player seems emboldened by a spirit of exploration facilitated by the recent rule changes, which favour an offensive approach. Additionally, the officials have done an outstanding job officiating these matches.

Herbert’s daring proposition is sure to ignite discussion and likely provoke some raised eyebrows, particularly amid this season when Australian teams are generally excelling. Only three times before—first in 1999 and then again in 2022—have three Australian sides—the Brumbies, the Reds, and the Waratahs—been positioned within the top five following just five rounds of play in Super Rugby history.

Supporters of New Zealand sides located in the lower portion might disagree with Herbert as well. However, he feels that the competitiveness of the tournament is among the primary reasons for raising its status.

"The match between the Chiefs and Blues from yesterday was incredible. Additionally, several top-notch games involving New Zealand teams have also taken place," Herbert mentioned.

They may not be as dominant as they used to be, which is beneficial for the competition.

There’s still ample time ahead; let me clarify that. We definitely aren’t jinxing anything, yet I believe the contest has never been more intense. It’s thrilling, neck-and-neck, showcasing top-tier talent, with everyone adopting an aggressive approach. This level of quality hasn’t been matched since day one.

Crowds still fall short of the impressive numbers seen during Super Rugby's early years, yet Herbert thinks attendance figures will recover over time.

Reducing to four teams in Australia after the closure of the Rebels last year seems to play a significant role, alongside the redistribution of players enhancing the strength of each team. While Herbert chose not to comment—due to the ongoing legal disagreement between the Rebels and RA—the chairman stated that the enhancement in coaching quality has been pivotal for Australia’s progress.

"He mentioned how top-tier rugby nations like Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa understand the importance of having good coaches. We've also seen the benefit of bringing in experienced Super Rugby mentors," he explained.

You can observe that Australia currently has four teams which are exceptionally well-coached. This is evident. While the distribution of talent may play a role, I believe that robust coaching is truly behind this.

Herbert feels optimistic about the "momentum" in Australian rugby due to the Wallabies' spring tour, the strong showing of Australian teams in Super Rugby, and several high-profile players extending their contracts lately.

People are noticing our progress and making commitments," he stated. "A year back, when asked about this, I mentioned, 'I wished the Lions were scheduled for next year since I believe we could be among the leading teams globally by 2027'.

“However, if we maintain this intense enthusiasm, I am quite hopeful for the coming years.”

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Herbert Proclaims: 'This Super Season Is Rugby's Finest Ever!'

The chairman of Rugby Australia, Daniel Herbert, ranks the talent, excitement, and competitiveness showcased in Super Rugby this season as the highest they have been throughout the tournament’s 30-year span.

The ex-Wallaby center who has won the World Cup typically doesn’t seek to boast, but Herbert felt driven to speak out following his observation of another round of Super Rugby Pacific over the weekend.

So far this season, the level of competitiveness has been commendable. Statistics indicate that the average points scored per game have reached an all-time high. Furthermore, the average margin of victory is among the smallest recorded in history.

However, Herbert thinks that the beginning of the 2025 season not only ranks among the finest witnessed in Super Rugby history since its inception in 1996 but stands as the pinnacle.

I simply believe it's the finest the competition has ever appeared," Herbert stated. "Everyone from my era tends to recall past times when these events took place. It's evident that neither football nor rugby at this standard have ever been witnessed before.

Given the numerous exceptional teams and memorable seasons over the last thirty years in Super Rugby, this assertion stands out as quite significant. However, Herbert played during much of the tournament's inaugural ten years, appearing in 120 matches for Queensland, and he feels that today's level of competitiveness and offensive play style has reached "a peak never seen before."

"If you consider the history of this competition, we've consistently seen teams perform strongly...especially early on," Herbert stated.

The Brumbies were darting about during the 1997-98 season with a brand of rugby we hadn't witnessed previously. Whenever the Hurricanes fielded Lomu, Cullen, and Umaga in their back three, it was truly mesmerizing. Later on, the Reds put up an incredible show in the 2010-11 period, followed by the Waratahs clinching victory in 2014.

But I don't believe we've ever witnessed such evenly matched competition, particularly with all Australian teams excelling simultaneously. This tournament showcases a brand of rugby consistency hasn't been universal among our squads until now. The athletes demonstrate a proficiency unseen in recent years. Each player exhibits an adventurous spirit made possible by the revised rules, which favour an offensive approach. Additionally, the officiating has been outstanding.

Herbert’s daring proposition is sure to ignite discussion and likely provoke some surprised reactions; it might be seen as an excess of enthusiasm from Australia during a period when domestic squads are generally faring quite well. Only three times previously have three Australian teams been ranked within the top five after five rounds—first in 1999, then again in 2022, alongside their current standing with the Brumbies, Reds, and Waratahs occupying those coveted spots.

Supporters of New Zealand clubs positioned lower down might disagree with Herbert’s perspective as well. However, he feels that the competitiveness of the league is a major factor contributing to its elevation.

"The match between the Chiefs and Blues from yesterday was incredible. Additionally, several top-notch games involving New Zealand teams have taken place," Herbert commented.

They may not be as dominant as before, which is actually beneficial for the competition.

There’s still ample time ahead, let me assure you. We definitely aren’t jinxing anything, but I believe the contest has never been more intense. It’s thrilling, it’s tight, they’re demonstrating top-notch talent, and everyone seems to be approaching it aggressively. This level of quality hasn’t come around since day one.

The crowds have not yet reached the impressive numbers seen during Super Rugby's early years, but Herbert thinks those figures will rise again.

Reducing to four teams in Australia after the dissolution of the Rebels last year seems to play a crucial role, as spreading out the players enhances the strength of each team. While Herbert chose not to comment due to the ongoing legal disagreement between the Rebels and RA, the chairman stated that improvements in coaching have been pivotal for Australian rugby's enhancement.

"He mentioned how top-tier rugby nations like Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa understand the importance of having good coaches. Similarly, we've realized the benefit of bringing aboard robust Super Rugby mentors," he explained.

You can observe that Australia currently has four teams that are exceptionally well-coached. This is evident. While the talent spread may play a role, I believe the key factor is the robust coaching.

Herbert feels optimistic about the "momentum" in Australian rugby due to the Wallabies' spring tour, the strong performances from Australian teams in Super Rugby, and numerous high-profile players extending their contracts lately.

People are noticing our progress and making commitments," he stated. "A year back, when asked about this, I mentioned, 'I wished the Lions were scheduled for next year since I believe we could be among the best teams globally by 2027.'

“However, if we maintain this intense enthusiasm, I am quite hopeful for the coming years.”

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“3억→ 200억?” 미스터트롯3 우승한 김용빈, '억'소리나는 수입 가능할까?

'미스터트롯3' 우승 트로피는 김용빈에게 돌아갔다.

지난 13일 방송된 TV조선 예능 프로그램 '미스터트롯3'에서는 톱 7이 결승전 무대를 펼친 가운데 가수 김용빈이 3대 진의 영광을 차지했다.

김용빈은 마지막까지 손빈아와 경쟁했다. 진을 차지한 순간, 손빈아가 김용빈과 뜨겁게 포옹해 훈훈함을 선사했다.

동료들의 축하를 받은 김용빈이 연신 눈물을 흘렸다. 왕관의 주인공이 된 그가 트로피와 우승 상금 3억 원을 받게 됐다.

그는 "먼저 문자 투표 많이 해주신 국민 여러분께 진심으로 감사하다"라면서 "지금 집에서 지켜볼 가족에게 감사하다. 아마 울고 있을 것 같다"라고 말했다. 이어 "할머니가 이 모습을 보셨다면 정말 행복해하셨을 것 같다. 노래하면서 1등이라는 걸 처음 해본다. 진심으로 감사하다. 앞으로 열심히 하겠다"라며 울컥했다.

김용빈, 손빈아에 이어 최종 3위는 천록담, 4위 춘길, 5위 최재명, 6위 남승민, 7위는 추혁진 순이었다.

한편, ‘미스터트롯’ 시즌 1에서 우승한 임영웅은 이후 광고, 음원, 콘서트 등 다양한 분야에서 활약하며 200억 원이 넘는 수익을 올린 것으로 알려졌다. 김용빈 역시 그 뒤를 이을 가능성이 높다.

이처럼 많은 이들 의 관심 속 김용빈이 1위를 차지한 가운데 그가 임영웅처럼 억대 수입을 낼 수 있을지 그의 재물운을 통해 살펴보았다.

온라인 사주 전문 플랫폼 위키사주에 따르면 김용빈은 성실하게 살아가고자 노력하는 사람이며 완벽한 인생을 꾸려 나가기 위해 최선을 다한다. 세상을 바라보는 시각이 남다르며 성실하고 한 가지 일에 집중하는 능력이 탁월하다. 30대에는 본인의 능력이 넘쳐나는 시기기에 사람들이 따르고 스스로 재물을 모으는 운이다. 근검절약에 힘써나가면 차곡차곡 재물이 모이고, 사회활동을 펼쳐나가면 인생이 더욱 순탄하게 흘러나간다. 40대에도 하고자 하는 일이 많고, 다방면에 재주가 많아 주위 사람들이 많이 모여드는 시기다 바삐 움직이게 되고, 재물이 점점 늘어나게 된다. 말년까지 부귀영화를 누리게 된다.

온라인 사주 전문 사이트 '위키사주'는 오랜 전통을 바탕으로 한 사주팔자와 현대적인 분석 기술을 결합하여 각자의 운명을 상세히 분석한다. 이름과 생년월일, 태어난 시간과 성별을 입력하면 간단하게 이용할 수 있다. 만사형통 내 운명의 비밀 사주, 쓸모있는 사주 감정, 복잡한 세상 편하게 사는 소름돋는 비법 사주까지 다양한 운세를 재미있게 점칠 수 있다.

▶[위키사주] 위대한 사주 사주 풀이 보러가기

매일 보는 나만의 운세 리포트! 오늘 하루는 어떨까?

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