I've enjoyed reading your posts - keep pushing on!

Not sure if I'm missing something, but where's the "t"? Better question, where's the best spot to put it?

But, then again, if a 3-game series goes 3 draws, it's still a best-of-3 scenario. It would put a little more pressure on the team with two shootout losses to push all-in for a win to advance.

Good point. Your scenario makes more sense, then. A regulation win should be worth more in some fashion. And all of the extra shootouts feel overdone. But, ticket sales, broadcast rights, etc., will (unfortunately) drive the decision.

This feels a lot like how AFL (Australian Rules Football) does their playoff system. Gives a little extra safety net to the top ranked teams.

I thought 3 points for a win, 2 points for a shootout win, 1 point for a shootout loss; first to 5 points. Modeled after Jagermeister Cup point system in USL. Not sure how different that would be from yours.

Ain't nothin' left but the cryin'.