Sidney Crosby suggests NHL format change stating it’s “best way to be rewarded”
Sidney Crosby weighed his opinion on NHL format during 2023 NHL All-Star weekend interview, stating an NHL format change would make the game more interesting.
Follow Us
Sidney Crosby
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby answered one of the most asked questions in the NHL. The current League format has been put to question a lot of times and players often had divided opinions on it. Recently during an interview at NHL 2023 All-Star week, Crosby weighed on his opinion.
The Penguins captain said that he prefers the older version of the postseason format, where the 1 to 8 rule was followed. While many fans speculate that his opinion streams from the team’s failed four straight seasons to come on top.
Rather than the wild card system which the Penguins are dearly holding onto, the older format gives more equal play and opportunity for all teams. The 1 to 8 format rewards the teams better. For their regular season, the older format is better as it keeps the competitiveness alive, according to Crosby.
Sidney Crosby praises Connor Bedard comparing him to Connor McDavid
Earlier in 1993 to 2013 the National Hockey League saw that each conference with three divisions and its own division winners. Those winners grabbed the top three spots, also known as seeded teams.
Crosby who came into the spotlight in 2005, quoted, “I like 1-to-8 just because I think the regular season is as difficult as it is, teams should be rewarded”.
“That’s probably the best way to be rewarded, even though there isn’t a ton of difference. I like that version a little bit better,” according to Sportsnet. In the old system, the top 1 team would face the 8th team, the 2nd team will face the 7th, and they’ll go on competing like this.
The current system sometimes collided the top three teams to face off against one another in the first round itself. Even with the old system coming to play, the Penguins would have a hard time grabbing their spot at their current strength.
Reporters also asked Sidney Crosby what he thought about the upcoming star Connor Bedard. Referencing Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Crosby said that Bedard is getting the same hype as how McDavid did. Bedard with his excellent performance is racking up points and continues to meet the highest expectation of both fans and teammates.
Crosby once skated with Bedard in the summer during the World Junior Hockey Championship while recording a dominating performance on stage. Canada won its 20th gold medal during the run. Crosby said of Bedard, “No weaknesses”. “It’s pretty cool to see someone that age as dominant as he is.”
In case you missed:
Stay Updated!
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2162 Articles Published)