Someone remind me.....

[DevilishWon]

who won the cup?

2013-2014 League Standings Standings - NHL.com - Standings

proving once again all the regular season counts for is making the playoffs (did you hear that Devils...)

 

[dash]

I think I have seen stats that show that teams that just squeak into the playoffs rarely end up winning the Stanley Cup. So, while it is true than you need to make the playoffs to have a shot, teams that finish near the top of the standings in the regular season have a better chance statistically.

 

[elocomotive]

I honestly forgot... Tampa Bay?

 

[KennyBanyeah]

This just reminded me of the Blues epic meltdown.

Six losses in a row to close out the season and lose the division crown. Win just one of those and they play the Wild instead of the Hawks in the first round.

 

[Cobiemonster]

I think I have seen stats that show that teams that just squeak into the playoffs rarely end up winning the Stanley Cup. So, while it is true than you need to make the playoffs to have a shot, teams that finish near the top of the standings in the regular season have a better chance statistically.

Besides the Kings winning in 2011-12, you are correct

That being said, the Flyers went to the ECF in 2008 as a 6th seed that made the playoffs the second to last game, and then in 2010 they went to the SCF as a 7th seed

Sometimes, matchups matter in the playoffs too, so it's predicated on things like that as well

 

[davnlaguna]

While I hate the term "built for the playoffs" I understand it a little now. The Kings players have said , if they played as hard as they do in the playoff for the entire season the would not make it past the first round. They look at the season as a qualifying round. No need to win the conference. It does make me a little upset to know that they admit to not giving 100% every night, but I love reminding my wife: Winning the first in California was nice , but two cups is still better than one

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Some teams are better playoff teams. Example, if the Devils made the playoffs last year they would have been a bitch to play against because they have a top tier goaltender, the number PK and a solid D and they can roll 4 lines. Their lack of scoring isn't nearly as much of a problem in the playoffs when most games are low scoring anyway. But you have to be in it to win it and the Devils failed to do that (damn shootouts!).