I don't see how the NHL playoffs are a joke. Sure there are 16 teams entering the playoffs, and it has been for a long long time, but it doesn't mean that there are upsets to be occured. I'm sure if it was a one game win or lose then yes it would be a joke, but if you don't have the essentials of winning the cup, your not going to go far. You gotta play each and every game. If your goaltending has been questionable throughout the season, or your a soft team, you aren't going to go far when the playoffs come around.