The Board of Governors voting to shorten the season from 80 to 76 games was a surprise to me. As the league finally reached 30 teams I figured they wanted the AHL to be close to parity with its NHL parent. Then again, this is a development league.
Shortening the first round of the playoffs to a best-of-five series is fine with me. Personally I think both leagues should do this. Best of three in the first round, best of five in the second and best of seven for the remaining contests.
Seems the decision also took our team’s organization by surprise since they sent an e-mail on telling us season-ticket holders to sit tight because this may change the price.