#32

The finals for the 96 cup were best of 3. Now they're 1 game elimination.

Why'd they make the change. The best of 3 format is what made the 96 cup so intense.

I can make assumptions, but has anyone read anything explaining the official reason for the change (other than poor marketing of course).

could be a hint...

Rafalski, Devils agree on new deal
Associated Press

8/13/2004

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The New Jersey Devils avoided arbitration with Brian Rafalski, signing the veteran defenseman to a one-year contract.

He was seeking a deal worth just under $4 million, but the Devils had planned to offer him $2.8 million.

The two sides agreed on a $3.1 million contract late Wednesday, a source close to the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Rafalski played in 69 games this past season, amassing six goals and 30 assists.

The signing leaves Scott Niedermayer as the Devils' only unsigned player. He had an arbitration hearing on Wednesday and a decision is expected Friday.

Niedermayer won his first Norris Trophy this past season as the NHL's top defenseman.

With Scott Stevens missing half the season with problems resulting from concussions, Niedermayer had 14 goals and 40 assists in 81 games. He had nine power-play goals and three game-winning goals.

Devils center Scott Gomez was awarded a one-year, $2.9 million contract in an arbitration settlement earlier this week.

Gomez earned $1 million last season, when he had 14 goals and 56 assists in 80 games.