While the Stanley Cup Finals have long followed the traditional 2-2-1-1-1 home-ice format, there was a brief period in the 1980s when the NHL experimented with a different structure — the 2-3-2 format.
What Is the 2-3-2 Format?
In a 2-3-2 series, the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the opposing team hosts Games 3, 4, and 5. This structure is designed to minimize travel, especially helpful in coast-to-coast matchups.
When Did the Stanley Cup Finals Use It?
The NHL briefly adopted the 2-3-2 format during:
• 1984 Stanley Cup Finals: Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Islanders
• 1985 Stanley Cup Finals: Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
These two seasons marked the only times the league used this system for the Finals.
Why the Change?
The primary motivation for the switch was reducing travel strain. In both 1984 and 1985, the league faced long-distance matchups involving teams from opposite coasts. The 2-3-2 format was seen as a more logistically manageable setup for teams, media, and broadcasters.
Why It Didn’t Last
Despite its travel-friendly design, the 2-3-2 format drew criticism. The main concern was competitive balance. Hosting three straight games in the middle of a series could shift momentum unfairly, especially if the team without home-ice advantage managed to sweep Games 3 through 5.
After the 1985 Finals, the NHL reverted to the 2-2-1-1-1 format for 1986 and has stuck with it ever since — citing fairness and tradition as key reasons.
Comparison With Other Leagues
The NBA used the 2-3-2 format in the Finals from 1985 to 2013 before switching back to 2-2-1-1-1, which mirrors the NHL’s long-standing approach. MLB still uses 2-3-2 for the World Series.
Conclusion
Though short-lived, the NHL’s use of the 2-3-2 format in the 1984 and 1985 Stanley Cup Finals remains an interesting footnote in league history — a rare deviation from its traditional playoff blueprint. As of today, all Stanley Cup Finals continue to use the 2-2-1-1-1 structure, a format that prioritizes competitive equity over convenience.
