NHL Realignment Proposal Deprives Fans Of Blackhawks/Red Wings Rivalry

By Rob Winn in News on Feb 28, 2013 6:40PM

We can't wait to see "Original Six" matchups like the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Detroit Red Wings. (Photo credit: Christopher Monaghan)

One of the main hurdles still facing the post-lockout NHL is realignment. Travel problems and imperfect start times have persisted for years will come to an end under the the NHL's realignment proposal that was revealed earlier this week. For the Blackhawks the plan has both upsides and drawbacks.

The plan includes four divisions, two in each conference. Both Eastern Conference divisions have eight teams while the Western Conference divisions have seven. The Blackhawks will play in the Midwest division along with Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis and Winnipeg. An obvious omission are the blood-rival Red Wings, who will move to the Eastern Conference starting next year. On the bright side the AHL-level Blue Jackets will be joining the Red Wings in the Eastern Conference, sparing Hawks fans from the snooze-fest in Columbus several times a year.

Although the Hawks will lose their long-lasting rival, the NHL has finally fixed one problem that has gone unaddressed for years. Hockey fans have long mocked the NHL for not sending every team to every city. One would think a league that endures attendance problems would send their stars to every building. Under the new plan the Hawks will play a home-and-home against every team in the league.

Also, the playoffs will be retooled with the top three teams in each division earning playoff berths. The remaining four spots will go to four wild card teams. The plan needs to be ratified by both the owners and players, but signs point to the plan being approved. So while the new divisions will take away games with the rival Red Wings, it does bring in all Original Six teams to the United Center.