The Stanley Cup Playoffs really ARE almost a second season, because home ice means very little. I think actually the curse of the President's Cup is far more statistically significant than the countervailing view that home ice advantage is important to possess.

"If you’re going to lose a series, there’s a slightly better chance that you will do so at home, in front of your own, very disappointed fans."

Oh man, hockey is a tough sport for a fan.

That's why only the tough become hockey fans. :)

This season the home ice disadvantage seems to be even worse:

"There has been a huge home-ice disadvantage. Heading into Friday's game, the road teams had gone a remarkable 21-11 in the first week of the postseason."

http://www.mercurynews.com/sharks/ci_20444399/sharks-continue-lament-power-play

The NHL is the major sport with the least home advantage:

http://www.sbnation.com/2011/1/19/1940438/home-field-advantage-sports-stats-data