The playoffs aren't really worth it ( in certain cases)

That may seems a little paradoxical since the whole purpose of major team sports is to get into the playoffs so you can win the championship. However, I think it is a perfectly legitimate point to bring up. Consider the chances of winning the championship. Most leagues let around 8 teams in to the playoffs from each conference, the NFL lets in 6 and MLB lets in 4. Take for example the Vancouver Canucks, if they get into the playoffs, who would have a 1 in 16 chance of winning the Stanley Cup. Except, that isn't really the case since not all teams are built equal. It looks like teams such as San Jose and Boston will get into the playoffs as heavy favorites. And teams like the Canucks will barely make it. This sets up a very likely first round exit from the playoffs. Actually if you consider not winning the Stanley Cup as negative, losses in any round would be considered negative, while there would only be one positive. This makes it very unlikely to have a positive finish in the playoffs, especially if you are the 8th seed in your conference. However, there is a very definite positive in not making the playoffs. The draft order is determined by giving the worst teams the first picks. Early first round picks are very valuable because they have so much upside and so little cost. Unlike teams that make a long playoff run only to lose, the teams that don't make the playoffs have a positive addition to the team (whereas teams that lose in the Stanley Cup Final often lose many of their core players i.e. Pittsburgh lost Hossa and Malone without a substantial draftpick) Also, it seems that losing when you are so close only adds to the diappointment felt by the fans. Just look at the riots after the Canucks lost to the Rangers in the 1994 Stanley Cup Final. Of course, there are several counter arguments you could make. First of all, I suppose the faint possibility of winning it all is worth the risk. Second, long playoff runs make the team a lot of money and give the fans something to watch. Playoff runs may also give much needed experience to young stars ready to lead their teams in the future. And even with what I have just said, I in no way, shape or form want to the Canucks to miss the playoffs, although if they did tank and end up drafting John Tavares, I wouldn't be that sad either.