I agree and I am a huge hockey fan. Same boat as MLB, don't really need 82 games in hockey or basketball, but it makes money. I like the season schedule of the NFL, and the divisional rivalries. Everyone else in US is chasing the success of NFL, and really don't come close. I love the drama of Stanley Cup playoffs, but 4 rounds of best of 7, where 7 games fill the tv bank accounts, is a heck of a lotta playoffs. At least in hockey, more than the last 5 minutes of the game matter(NBA) there I go again, NBA, NFL, MLB, and my beloved NHL all called out. Getting back to original post: as I said above, no playoffs in British Premier League soccer, you're the best or you're not. No make up, one bads, and no extended playoffs to wear teams down. He who puts the best performing team on the field all season longs gets the glory. So I agree that 7&9 teams should not be in the playoffs when a 10&6 team does not make it( this happened to my Brownies in the last 6/8 years, not sure when, but I was pissed!