New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference Qualification Round. Mandatory Credit: Andre Ringuette via USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers got to play in an expanded playoff format, why not do it again?
When the NHL added the Stanley Cup Qualifier round after the pause last season, the New York Rangers were one of the teams that benefited. It was supposed to be for only one year, but there are several very good reasons to do it again at least for the coming season.
The single biggest reason to do it is financial.