Is the season too long ?

[KB in Kelowna]

The current NHL schedule is 82 games, with the playoffs being 4 rounds, the Stanley Cup is now handed out in mid to late June. Given that training camp opens in mid September and the season starts in early October is it too long? This season there is a good chance that neither of last years finalist will even make the playoffs, part of the reason could be turn over of key personnel during the cap era, but could another reason be the stress and strain of the long season and playoffs takes it toll. The last 3 great dynasty teasm in hockey the Habs, Islanders and Oilers all played the equivelant of an extra season with thier respective playoff and cup wins are combined. Since then there has been a great turnover in who plays in the finals. I cite the following:
2006 - Carolina over Edmonton. (Oilers missing the playoffs this year, Canes' playoff hopes are thin).
2004 - Tampa over Calgary. (Both teams bow out in the first round).
2003 - New Jersey over Anaheim. (Devils eliminated in the first round. Ducks miss the playoffs).
2002 - Detroit over Carolina. (Wings eliminated in the first round, Canes miss the playoffs).
2001 - Colorado over New Jersey. (Colorado advances to conference final, Devils lose in first round).

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Tychkowski/2007/03/10/3726337-sun.html.

Is the season too long? Or is this the desired parity, every team having a chance that makse the NFL successful?

[charlio lemieux]

I would like to see the playoffs start around now. A 70-72 game schedule would be ok.

Even 64 games should be enough to figure out who should be in or out of the playoffs.

We'll never see it happen though. The owner's and players would have to get together and reduce the # of games by the same % as the players would be willing to take a pay cut.

[Iced Tea]

I wouldn't mind dropping to 74 games right away and the way to achieve that is dropping two games against each division rival. Don't need to play the stinkin Wild, the rotten Avs, the Oilers, and the Flim Flams so many times.

[Amoroq]

The leafs aren't in the playoffs yet, so no, the number games is just right. As a matter of fact, if the leafs are 1 point out after the last game, I propose an extra game for the Leafs VS the Niagara Falls Canucks Jr B team.

[Asterix]

I would definately like to see a shorter season. I would also like to see a more balanced schedule and the instigator rule gone. I have a feeling that my three wishes will never materialize...

[9korona]

ya i wish the season was shorter like 64 games or so