The NHL’s Playoff Scheduling Makes no Sense

**DISCLAIMER** This is not a criticism of the Carolina Hurricanes Carolina could sweep the Flyers tomorrow and advance to the ECF before the Sabres and Canadiens even play a game in Montreal. You could say it comes down to the Hurricanes sweeping Ottawa and the Flyers ending their series four days before game 7 of MTL/Tampa but the scheduling for the second round is very favorable towards the winner of the Metro. If Carolina wins tomorrow and Buffalo/Montreal goes to seven games the Hurricanes would get at least 11(!) days more rest than the winner of BUF/MTL. In round one their sweep earned them four days extra rest over Philadelphia who won in six games. If BUF/MTL ends in six the series would end on May 16th, a whole week after the Hurricanes game tomorrow. If both eastern series were to go to 7 games Carolina and Philly would end two days (May 16th) before Buffalo and Montreal (May 18th) AND the Metro series was given a two day rest between games 2 and 3 while Buffalo - Montreal will have to complete 7 games in 13 nights. How did the NHL design this schedule this way? It is the one speed bump to avoid and in every scenario, there will be a significant rest advantage.