[WingaDinga]

In an alternate universe, the NHL decides instead of leaving the Cincinnati Stingers and Birmingham Bulls out to dry, the NHL makes them part of the merger, bringing the NHL to 23 teams instead of 21.

Also, the NHL decides to drop the Wales and Campbell conferences in favor of a geographical division alignment and 2 geographical conferences; East and West.

How will a small change in the merger affect the future of the NHL?

CONFERENCE AND DIVISION ALIGNMENTS:

Eastern Conference

Northeast Division:
Boston Bruins
Quebec Nordiques [From WHA]
Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Hartford Whalers [From WHA]
New York Rangers

Atlantic Division:
Atlanta Flames
Buffalo Sabres
New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers
Washington Capitals

Western Conference

Central Division:
Detroit Red Wings
Cincinnati Stingers [From WHA]
Birmingham Bulls [From WHA]
Chicago Blackhawks
St. Louis Blues
Minnesota North Stars

Pacific Division:
Winnipeg Jets [From WHA]
Edmonton Oilers [From WHA]
Vancouver Canucks
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Kings