NHL realignment shakes up schedule breakdown

Starting this season, the NHL will have a new divisional makeup and a completely different scheduling makeup. Here's a look at how that breaks down, according to NHL.com.

WESTERN CONFERENCE (7-team division)

Within Conference (Division): 29 games

Within Conference (Non-Division): 21 games

- 3 games vs. each team (2 Home/1 Away vs. four teams, 1 Home/2 Away vs. three teams). Teams rotated on a yearly basis.
- 3 X 7 = 21 games

Non-Conference: 32 games

- 2 games vs. each team (1 Home/1 Away)
- 2 X 16 = 32 games

Exception: one team from each division plays one less game inside Division and one more game inside Conference outside Division

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Within Conference (Division): 30 games

Within Conference (Non-Division): 24 games

- 3 games vs. each team (2 Home/1 Away vs. four teams, 1 Home/2 Away vs. four teams). Teams rotated on a yearly basis.
- 3 X 8 = 24 games

Non-Conference: 28 games

- 2 games vs. each team (1 Home/1 Away)
- 2 X 14 = 28 games

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have a new division-based format.

Playoff qualification is now heavily based on divisional standings, as the top three teams in each of the four divisions will be the first 12 to qualify. The two final spots in each conference will go to the two remaining teams with the most points, regardless of division. They will be designated as "Wild Card" teams.

The new alignment and playoff format will be in effect for at least three seasons (through 2015-16).