TAMPA, Fla. – Barry Trotz made sure to clarify that this wasn’t sour grapes. He was asked about the current playoff format and was giving an honest answer.



He believes there might be better options than what’s happening now. He’s not alone.



The current wild-card format was implemented for the 2013-14 postseason and there’s a growing appetite to give it a hard look as to whether it’s the best system moving forward.



“I think the format has worked well and I’m not going to go against the league, but when you win a Presidents’ Trophy, you shouldn’t have to play the second (best NHL) team in the second round,” Trotz said, referencing the Capitals’ matchup against the Penguins in round two last year. The Capitals and Penguins had the two best records in the league last season.



“We would have to get through Pittsburgh at some point, we just have to do it in the second round. We...