Islanders back new conference plan
New York Islanders' Matt Moulson looks to pass during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago. (Dec. 2, 2011) Credit: AP
The NHL's realignment plan met with a favorable response in the Islanders' dressing room, similar to what players around the league feel. Even though the NHL Players Association needs to ratify any realignment voted on by the Board of Governors, there do not seem to be too many naysayers to the plan, scheduled to take effect next season.
"I don't see anyone being disappointed about this," Penguins star Sidney Crosby said as news of the NHL's 26-4 vote in favor of commissioner Gary Bettman's plan leaked out on Monday night.
For the Islanders, the new "conference" will look familiar, with all four neighbors from the current Atlantic Division -- the Rangers, Devils, Penguins and Flyers -- staying with them, along with the Hurricanes and Capitals. The Islanders will play those teams six times apiece.
The Islanders will play a home-and-home series against each of the teams in the three other conferences, which means the Islanders only get one visit from the Canadiens, Leafs and Bruins, the same as they will get from teams in the current Western Conference who are significantly less popular attendance draws.
The top four teams in each conference make the playoffs and battle within the conference to determine the league's semifinalists
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