AN NHL MAKEOVER

It's pretty common knowledge that the NHL has struggled more than any other of the United States' four major sports. The lockout in 2004-05, rising ticket prices, and the lack of a major television contract have all had a negative effect on the league, it's policies, and the way it conducts it's business. I think it's time for Gary Bettman to give the NHL what it so desperately needs: a complete and utter makeover. A lot of these changes would help revamp the league, get more butts in the seats, and make hockey a big time draw once again. That said, I know most/all of these suggestions are never going to happen, but hey, I can dream, right?

Contraction
There are simply too many teams in the NHL. 30 teams is far too many for a true competitive balance because there are just too many players. Eliminate a few teams, and the league needs fewer players. The more talented players will always fill those spots, and the problem is solved. A watered down talent pool hurts the NHL big time because the players are just not as good. It's one reason why the MLS struggles too: why would I watch mediocre players in the US on television when I could just as easily watch the best in the world compete in Europe? The NHL needs to eliminate two markets: The Phoenix Coyotes and the New York Islanders. Those two rate last in overall value, and continue to lose tons of money each year. Get rid of 'em!

Relocation
Now that the NHL is down to 28 teams, some of them need a change of scenery. Canada is all about hockey, yet the league continues to ignore them to put teams in the American south. Get real! The Nashville Predators move to Hamilton, Ontario, and the Florida Panthers move to Winnipeg. Additionally, the Atlanta Thrashers move north and become the Quebec Nationales. The new Hamilton Predators move to the Eastern Conference, and the Winnipeg Winterhawks switch to the West. It's a pretty well known fact that attendance in Canadian markets is never really a problem. Why are the Predators in Nashville and the Thrashers in Atlanta when nobody there even cares about them? It's ridiculous.

Realignment
Because of all the changes, the league would need to realign the divisions. Each league would now have two divisions instead of three, with seven teams in each. Here is what the new alignments would look like.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Willie O'Ree Division
Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Quebec Nationales

Scotty Bowman Division
Hamilton Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Gordie Howe Division
Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Winterhawks

Herb Brooks Division
Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars

A New Playoff System
Finally, the playoff system needs a little bit of tweaking. Now that the league has fewer teams, there need to be fewer playoff spots. I propose that six teams in each conference make the postseason, with the division winners getting first round byes. Here is a sample of how it might look.

First Round
1. Detroit Red Wings (Howe Winners)-- First Round Bye
2. Chicago Blackhawks (Brooks Winners)-- First Round Bye

3. San Jose Sharks vs. 6. Anaheim Ducks
4. Edmonton Oilers vs. 5. Calgary Flames

Western Conference Semi-Finals
1. Detroit Red Wings vs. 4. Edmonton Oilers
2. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 3. San Jose Sharks

It would give a real benefit to teams for winning their division, while mantaining competitive fairness for the rest of the teams in the league.

Revenue Changes
Finally, the NHL needs to lower it's ticket prices significantly in order for fans to restore faith in the league, and keep those butts in the seats. While, yes, lowering ticket prices may mean less money for the league at first, it means more fans, and in the long run that means more money. Lower ticket prices will turn casual fans into die-hard fans, and would raise the league's profits significantly.

While Gary Bettman probably won't take my suggestions, and the CBA and current econony most likely wouldn't allow any of these changes to actually take place, I think the NHL would have a much brighter future like this. But hey, who doesn't want to pay $200 to see Florida and Phoenix? Oh, right...