Sidney Crosby is one of the most respected voices in the entire NHL, and now, he may potentially influence the NHL Commissioner into making a major rule change.

Sidney Crosby calls for a change to the NHL's playoff format

In a recent interview, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins was asked about one rule change he would make in the NHL, and his answer comes as absolutely no surprise.

Sidney Crosby says he'd change the league to go with a 1-8 playoff format. Says it rewards teams for the regular season better

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The NHL has been criticized plenty for their playoff format, as this is how the first-round currently works.

The division winner with the best record in each conference will be matched against the wild-card team with the lesser record.

The wild card team with the better record will play the other division winner.
The teams finishing second and third in each division will meet within the bracket headed by their respective division winners.

A major change could be needed for the NHL

While it's fun to build rivalries amongst the divisions, the NHL has seen this issue pop up several times in the past few years, with the Maple Leafs and Lightning especially, as they have had to battle in the first round several times.

Ultimately, it's not the worst rule for the NHL, but if a player like Sidney Crosby, who has been in the NHL for two decades calls it out, then it's something that Gary Bettman should certainly look into.

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Sidney Crosby Calls on Gary Bettman to Make a Major Rule Change