Adam Proteau says something worth reading

Probably the only thing I've read of his that makes sense. And in light of the Av's start last season, let's hope the repeat that and build on it.

The spirit of the thing...

"In fact, of the 16 teams that qualified for the 2010 post-season, 10 won at least six times in their first 10 games, while 14 won a minimum of five of their first 10. The only exceptions were the ever-plucky Nashville Predators, who went 3-6-1 to start the season, built a 44-23-1 mark the rest of the way and still only finished in seventh place in the Western Conference, and the veteran Detroit Red Wings who went on a tear to finish fifth in the conference.

By now, we all should understand the primary reason why teams are unable to climb back into the playoff mix later in the season: the NHL’s irrational points system that awards the so-called "loser point" to a non-victorious team in any game that goes to overtime or a shootout." (The Hockey News)

over 1 year ago TheRed 5 comments 0 recs |

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i have no problem with the loser point but then again i had no problem with ties either. but wins in regulation and overtime should be worth more since the league insists on points for overtime. 3 for a win in regulation, 1 point each for overtime and 2 to the ot winner and 1 to a shootout winner. that would disenfranchise teams late in the year for just skating for the shootout.

by jcarti01 on Oct 8, 2010 9:36 PM MDT reply actions

This is of course the best solution. The problem is that the NHL wanted to at least keep the image that games were still worth 2 pts as always. This is of course a notch below stupidity. Many games are now worth 3 pts. This doesn’t stop NHL.com from talking about end of season point totals in direct relation to the old legitimately 2 pt system.

Bottom line is: if the NHL switched to 3 point games in earnest they can’t even pretend things are comparable to olde times anymore.

Never trust the lunch lady.

by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 9, 2010 9:08 AM MDT up reply actions

I don't care for the loser point in the current structure,

but I understand completely why the NHL uses it and is highly unlikely to change it.

By keeping the loser point, an artificial logjam is created in the standings, which gives hope to the fans of many teams who find themselves just good (or just conservatively boring) enough to play for overtime that their team of slightly better than average SUXXXORZZZ will make the playoffs, creating better ratings, more ticket sales, etc.

Granted, this doesn’t work in the Southeast, where WSH will have the division locked up by Halloween, but….

2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: pretty good at hockey since they can't get into the bars yet.

by Hopfenkopf on Oct 9, 2010 9:41 AM MDT reply actions