*****VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ ENTIRE MESSAGE*****
 
 
12 teams total make the playoffs with the division leaders getting the 1st rd by's seeded by points.
So remember winning your division will gurrentee you a spot in the final 8 teams.
 
The remaining top 4 teams from each confrence will be playing in the 1st round , 
which is a best of 5 series (2,2,1  format), with the last 2 teams in each confrence missing the playoffs. 
The 1st round will be set up like this for each confrence.
3rd vs 6th 
4th vs 5th
 
In round 2 the division leaders will have home ice advantage with the 
#1 seeded team in each confrence playing the lowest seeded team. 
Round 2 and beyond will be all best of 7 series (2,2,1,1,1 format).
 
Each round AFTER round 2 will see the lowest seeded team playing the highest seeded team 
according to points etc (just like the NHL).  