WHL playoff format sparks controversy

The question had to be REGINA asked …

Did the Regina Pats simply lose to a top-notch opponent in the first round of the playoffs, or were they victims of a flawed post-season format?

Perhaps a little of both? Head coach/GM John Paddock didn’t dispute any of it after Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Swift Current Broncos in Game 7 of an Eastern Conference quarter-final.

However, he does expect serious discussion this summer about replacing the current NHL-based divisional system with some form of the old conference blueprint that’s still used by the OHL.

“I think there will be a lot of talk about it,” said Paddock. “Will it change? I have no idea. There are rumblings about it, but that’s (for the board of governors) to talk about.”

There has been plenty of debate about playoff formats at various levels this season. That includes the NHL, where there seems to be a push toward returning to the conference formula (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc.) that’s currently utilized in the NBA.

There’s also talk of the NBA taking it a step further and pursuing an overall league-based system whereby playoff teams are ranked one through 16.

That won’t happen in the WHL due to travel costs, but Paddock does see some validity in finding a middle ground.

“There are lots of angles to look at,” he said. “One of them is what (the current format) creates as far as gates and rivalries and stuff. We’re probably pretty flexible. We know we have a change coming with the team next year (due to an imminent rebuild). It’s not going to hurt us much.

“You can’t have a knee-jerk reaction, but I do believe there is going to be lots of discussion. I probably would tend to think the best teams need to be in the playoffs.” That wasn’t the case this season. The Saskatoon Blades, for example, were victims of a powerhouse East Division that saw all six teams compile winning records. Saskatoon was the only team to miss the post-season despite having a superior record to two playoff clubs — the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Red Deer Rebels — from a weak Central Division.

Meanwhile, Regina’s case is compelling due to its status as the host team for the Memorial Cup.

After a lacklustre first half, the Pats made big changes at the trade deadline and enjoyed one of the league’s best second-half performances en route to a 40-win season.

Their reward? A first-round matchup with the Broncos, who won 48 games and finished second overall in the league behind the rival Moose Jaw Warriors.