how long has this Stanley Cup format been this way?

[blue_gold_84]

And really, how would a 2-2-2-1 format take less time than a 2-2-1-1-1 format? If there's a day off between games, it still takes the same number of days to play 7 games, regardless of where each game is played.

[blue_or_die]

And really, how would a 2-2-2-1 format take less time than a 2-2-1-1-1 format? If there's a day off between games, it still takes the same number of days to play 7 games, regardless of where each game is played.

There is a two day break each time the teams have to travel. So the more times each team has to travel, the longer the series. However, we are talking about a day or two difference here at best.

[Colton]

There is a two day break each time the teams have to travel. So the more times each team has to travel, the longer the series. However, we are talking about a day or two difference here at best.

Worth nothing, there is only a two day break between travel in the finals. Teams play on 1 day break despite travel in the other 3 rounds.

[blue_or_die]

Worth nothing, there is only a two day break between travel in the finals. Teams play on 1 day break despite travel in the other 3 rounds.

I was wondering if that's the case, as I only checked the schedule for the finals.

In any case, the majority of blame for the ridiculously dragged out NHL playoffs can be attributed to long breaks between series. Even if series are done, the league is set on having it take at least 2 weeks to complete a series. Understandably that could be due to broadcast contracts.