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Fixing The NHL: 3 points for a regulation win or more Yes or No and Why? |
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Every year around this time we hear the stats.
"Only 1 team since the NHL went to this playoff format has made the playoffs when out of the playoffs at the trade deadline by 6 or more points."
It sounds ridiculous, but it's true. Essentially you have 55 or so games to make the playoffs or you are out. Why? Well it's really simple and it has to do with two basic issues:
#1. The "loser point" for an overtime loss means some games are 3 point games while others are 2 point games. As the season tightens up teams start playing to just get into OT to get a point. It makes for horrible hockey as third periods turn into snooze fests.
#2. The current playoff format where the top three teams in each division make it and the the best 2 out of the remaining 9/10 teams. So essentially this puts each conference into three divisional races.
I have brought this up with the NHL and they love this system because teams are artificially close in the standings and there is the appearance that many teams are in it....and while they technically are, history tells us they aren't really...and NHL fans are starting to get tired of it.
There are three options...
1. Keep it as it is.
2. Award three points to every game...so a three points for a regulation win which would allow teams to make up ground quicker.
3. Get rid of the loser points..
I would much prefer #2 or #3 because not only would the races be actual races, the games would be three periods long instead of two periods. I say 2 periods because this time of year if teams are tied after two periods the amount of shots go way down and the excitement level is awful as teams play for the loser point. NEVER good.
What are your thoughts?
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