Explaining the NHL's controversial Stanley Cup playoff format

At long last, after 1,312 games of regular-season hockey, the Stanley Cup playoffs are here.If you’re not caught up on the matchups, there are a lot of excellent ones — although who is playing who can get a bit confusing given the format. Let’s run through the eight series quickly, and we can explain how we got here afterward.In the Eastern Conference, the two teams with the fewest points (98), the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, will, naturally, play one another. The Carolina Hurricanes, with the second-most points in the league, will get the Ottawa Senators. The Sens are one of the hottest teams in the NHL and one that posted more points (and 11 more regulation wins) than the Flyers.As I said, a little confusing, but let’s keep going. I’m sure it’ll come together.