from Frank Seravalli of TSN,

Every year when the calendar flips to March, the groaning and grumbling grows a little louder as the playoff picture comes into focus.

Fans, coaches and even a few general managers alike have griped: Can we do something about this %&#$ing playoff format?

Three of the NHL’s top five teams are guaranteed to be eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs in the second round or earlier, based on the standings entering Monday night’s action.

Only two of Tampa Bay, Calgary, Boston, San Jose and Toronto could make it to the Conference Final with the current bracket format.

But the playoff format won’t be a topic of conversation at this week’s annual GM meetings in sunny South Florida.

“It’s not on the agenda,” NHL senior executive vice-president Colin Campbell said Monday.

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