NHL historical playoff format
FHM has 16 teams playing in the playoffs starting in 1972-73 when the league expanded to 16 teams. In fact only 8 teams qualified - top four in each division - until 1974-75.
In the NHL 74-75 when there were 18 teams in 4 divisions, there were 12 teams qualifying, top three in each division - with the top team in each division getting a bye to the second round. This lasted until 1979-80 when 16 teams qualified. FHM has 16 teams in the playoffs all the way through.
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