Screen Shot 2011-12-05 at 10.43.31 PM

So, this happened: 

The new alignment also enables the NHL to create a balanced schedule in which all teams will play each other at least twice every season, once at home and once on the road, giving fans a chance to see every team and superstar in the League. The remaining games will be played within the conferences.

In the seven-team conferences, teams would play six times — three home, three away. In the eight-team Conferences, teams would play either five or six times in a season on a rotating basis; three teams would play each other six times and four teams would play each other five times. This process would reverse each season: An eight-team Conference member that plays an opponent six times in one season would play it five times the following season. 

 

The top four teams in each conference will make the playoffs. See the full breakdown after the jump.

Screen Shot 2011-12-05 at 10.44.02 PM