I'm personally a fan of region-based playoffs. Almost similar to what the NHL does.
In your 32 team league with 4 divisions, the 3 top teams of each division make the playoffs (out of 8). The #2 and #3 teams play a short series, maybe 3-5 games, to determine who goes to play the division winners.
This ultimately gives you one true winner per division (those who make Final 4), gives a clear boost to division winners (first round bye), and lets you build up rivalries by having common teams playing in the postseason.
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