EMPD had the right idea

Tom DiPerna, Denver, Colo

When the NHL recently decided to disregard shootout wins as a tiebreaker for teams tied at the end of the season, it was a step in the right direction.

However, the NHL should consider using a crossover rule similar to the ones used in Major League Soccer and the Canadian Football League where lower-seeded teams in one conference who have accumulated more points than higher seeded teams in the opposite conference qualify for the playoffs over the teams with fewer points.

This would reward teams who had great seasons in a tougher conference and punish teams who underachieved during the regular season.

Teams in the weaker conference who would otherwise be safe could no longer coast into the playoffs and the late season playoff races would be much more exciting.