[OldMissileer]

If that is the case, and I don't contest that it is, isn't the regular season a glorified preseason?

Basically, yes.

Back in the 80s the fans and Media were getting fed up with the Minnesota North Stars and their play. Someone within the organization told the media that they always played just well enough during the regular season to get into the playoffs, then they actually started playing serious.

Their fan base disappeared after that and they ended up being sold to Texas as the Dallas Stars.

[Dr. Sivana]

Someone within the organization told the media that they always played just well enough during the regular season to get into the playoffs, then they actually started playing serious.

They SHOULD have been better. They got to merge with the Cleveland Barons. Between two bad teams you should be able to cobble together one good one.

Here is what must be the single worst division in professional sports history, the 195-76 NHL Smythe Division:

[rfp1234]

Before that, George Gund III moved on from the North Stars and the Sharks were born, with much of the core coming from Minnesota. Ironically, the Sharks have been historically good in the regular season and mediocre in the playoffs.