In a hockey playoff series in the NHL (National Hockey League), each series is a best-of-seven format. This means that the first team to win four games advances to the next round. Therefore, a series can be as short as 4 games (if one team wins all four consecutively) or as long as 7 games (if it takes all seven games to determine a winner).
5 supporting facts about the best-of-seven format in the NHL’s playoff series
Historical Context: The best-of-seven format has been the standard in the NHL for many decades. It was adopted for the Stanley Cup Finals in 1939 and later expanded to all rounds.
Intensity and Strategy: The longer series format allows for more strategic depth, as teams adjust their tactics after each game based on the performance and strategies of their opponents. This dynamic makes each game in the series crucial and can lead to dramatic shifts in momentum.
Home Ice Advantage: In a best-of-seven series, the team with home ice advantage hosts games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the other team hosts games 3, 4, and 6. This structure provides a slight edge to the higher-seeded team, as they get the potential of playing one more game at home than their opponents.
Comebacks: The best-of-seven format has seen some memorable comebacks. Teams that have been down 3-0 in a series have managed to win the next four games and advance, though such comebacks are rare.
Physical and Mental Endurance: The length of a best-of-seven series tests not only the skill and strategy of the teams but also their endurance and resilience. Injuries, fatigue, and mental toughness play significant roles as the series progresses, especially if it extends to six or seven games.
FAQs about the best-of-seven format in the NHL’s playoff series
Why was the best-of-seven format chosen for the NHL playoffs?
The best-of-seven format provides a balance between ensuring the better team advances (by reducing the impact of a single game’s fluke result) and maintaining excitement and unpredictability in the series.
Has the NHL always used a best-of-seven format for all playoff rounds?
No, the NHL adopted the best-of-seven format for the Stanley Cup Finals in 1939. It was later expanded to all rounds. Before that, different rounds had varied formats, including best-of-five or even two-game total-goal series.
What happens if a game in the series goes into overtime?
In the playoffs, if a game is tied at the end of regulation, it goes into sudden-death overtime. Teams play full 20-minute overtime periods until a winner is determined. There’s no limit to the number of overtimes.
How is the team with home ice advantage determined?
The team with the better regular-season record (or higher seeding) is awarded home ice advantage in the series.
Are there any breaks between games in a series?
Yes, there are typically one or two days between games in a series, allowing teams to rest, recover, and travel if necessary.
Has any team come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series?
Yes, it’s rare, but there have been instances where teams have come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series 4-3. One notable example is the 2014 Los Angeles Kings, who came back from a 3-0 deficit against the San Jose Sharks in the first round.
How are ties in regular-season points resolved for playoff seeding and home ice advantage?
Ties in regular-season points are broken using several criteria, including (in order): most games won (excluding shootout wins), head-to-head record, and goal differential.
