If two teams were tied in points percentage, the standing of the clubs was determined in the following order: Since 1999 the NHL has awarded two points for a regulation or overtime win, one point for an overtime loss, and zero points for a regulation loss. In the Central, the Wild’s remarkable regulation play — only the Washington Capitals won more 60-minute games — would put the Minnesota into top spot in the division and conference, ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks. Rather, it was pointed out that a different points system could encourage teams to play differently, which is to say a team that’s tied in the final two minutes of a contest might go on an all out attack in order to get the third point instead of entering overtime with the chance of leaving the contest with the single.
After all, it’s better to escape a contest with a single point than nothing at all. If two or more teams are tied in total points, the tie is broken using the following criteria, in order, until one winner is decided. 1 wild-card spot and has a four-point lead (two wins) over the Under the three-point system, Boston would have a ridiculous lead over its competition, boasting a gap of 23 points (eight wins) over Montreal and a 25-point lead (nine wins) over Toronto. The four Qualifying Round winners will join with the seeded top four teams to create an eight-team playoff in each Conference. Goals scored during a shootout do not count toward a team's total. NHL.TV All four rounds are best-of-7. Personal stat. It's become clear that executives in the league are dissatisfied with the amount of games being decided by the shootout, which is why discussions at the general managers meetings in Boca Raton are focusing on extended overtime and the prospects of a 3-on-3 portion of extra play.This gets the wheels turning and alternative courses of action start rising to the surface: namely, the implementation of a three-point system, where three points are awarded for a regulation win, two points are awarded for an overtime/shootout win and one point is awarded for an overtime/shootout loss.The perceived issue with a change is that the league wants parity to remain in the game and the three-point system could make playoff races too wide.Here's a look at how the three-point system would change the NHL landscape:Tampa Bay is in possession of the No. Two for a win in OT/SO, none for a regulation loss and one point for a loss in OT/SO. If every game went into overtime using the current points system, the league would award 3.813 points in the standings. Detroit remains two wins back of Tampa Bay, while Ottawa actually closes in on Detroit (one win back, instead of two) and Tampa Bay (three wins back instead of four wins back under the two-point system).Under the three-point system, Pittsburgh has a 21-point lead -- seven wins -- over New York, who in turn has a three-point -- one win -- lead over Philadelphia, who has a two-point lead over Columbus. Everything from minor details to long-term, big picture modifications to the way the league operates was discussed. There’s no telling how the point totals would change if three points were up for grabs every night, but it’s safe to say some games would have changed in the late stagesThat’s what the league should be striving for, though. By using LiveAbout, you accept our How the Standings Determine Playoff Qualification The Ins and Outs of Calculating Goal Tending Statistics in HockeyThe Definition and Purpose of the Plus/Minus Statistic in Hockey He was born, raised and resides in Winnipeg, where he can be found missing the net on outdoor rinks all over town.Hockey is back, and we have everything you need to be ready with our Playoff Preview! All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. © NHL 2019. Three points for a regulation win. Initially, it seemed like separation in the standings might become too drastic, but after looking over the current standings, I don't think league-wide parity would be harmed much -- if at all -- by a switch.The only thing that would change is an increased focus on regulation victories.
Also, we've got features on Tyler Seguin, Carey Price, Jordan Binnington, Shea Theodore and much more.As a member of The Hockey News family, we first want to wish you, your family and friends the very best of health during this COVID-19 virus pandemic. An overtime or shootout win would be 2 pts. All rights reserved.