The system you listed is what makes the most sense, since it makes all games worth the same amount of points (3). However, the NHL loves the current setup because it creates the illusion of parity, which leads to more interest, which leads to more revenue.

With respect to the Flyers in the standings, they've been playing well recently, but I can't see them staying atop the division for the rest of the year. They're a better team that a lot of people expected, but they're not a top contender quite yet.
- jmatchett383

It comes down to everyone’s remaining schedule. I’m not sure what the level of difficulty is for the pens, caps and flyers. By difficulty I don’t just mean opponents, but also schedule layout.

I think schedule is what will stop cbj from making it; their schedule is grueling.

Regardless, I think the level of competition in the metro is pretty even and while home ice is great to have, to win the cup you have to be able to win on the road.

The system you listed is what makes the most sense, since it makes all games worth the same amount of points (3). However, the NHL loves the current setup because it creates the illusion of parity, which leads to more interest, which leads to more revenue.

With respect to the Flyers in the standings, they've been playing well recently, but I can't see them staying atop the division for the rest of the year. They're a better team that a lot of people expected, but they're not a top contender quite yet.
- jmatchett383

Absolutely agree with you. They seem to love this forced parity.
I just used the Flyers as an example. They have been playing pretty good hockey for a while now. It's not their fault the point system is what it is.

The system you listed is what makes the most sense, since it makes all games worth the same amount of points (3). However, the NHL loves the current setup because it creates the illusion of parity, which leads to more interest, which leads to more revenue.

With respect to the Flyers in the standings, they've been playing well recently, but I can't see them staying atop the division for the rest of the year. They're a better team that a lot of people expected, but they're not a top contender quite yet.
- jmatchett383

Same. Would love to see 3 point games. At the very least would make the games more exciting as teams would be playing to win not trying to protect a point. But NHL likes it this way.

I've thought the Flyers were a top 3 team in the division for a couple months now. Don't have confidence in the goal-tending, but much like the Pens they figured some combos out along the way that's made them a much better team then they were to start the year. Maturing young talent on the blueline really helps.

It comes down to everyone’s remaining schedule. I’m not sure what the level of difficulty is for the pens, caps and flyers. By difficulty I don’t just mean opponents, but also schedule layout.

I think schedule is what will stop cbj from making it; their schedule is grueling.

Regardless, I think the level of competition in the metro is pretty even and while home ice is great to have, to win the cup you have to be able to win on the road.
- Rinosaur

Absolutely. Regardless of your seed, you have to play good teams to win, and you have to be able to win on the road.

And yes, the disparity between the Metro and Atlantic is ridiculous. After the top 3 in each divison, the Metro holds both wild card spots plus the 9 and 10 seed. If the Rangers didn't give up two weeks ago, they'd probably have the 11 seed. That is part of why I hate (and love) the divisional format, the two best teams may play each other in the first round.

It comes down to everyone’s remaining schedule. I’m not sure what the level of difficulty is for the pens, caps and flyers. By difficulty I don’t just mean opponents, but also schedule layout.

I think schedule is what will stop cbj from making it; their schedule is grueling.

Regardless, I think the level of competition in the metro is pretty even and while home ice is great to have, to win the cup you have to be able to win on the road.
- Rinosaur

If you want to see a really challenging schedule look at Florida's March schedule....17 games over 31 days....they are looking/playing good hockey.....with that schedule though if they make a playoff spot, it will be quite the accomplishment.

If you want to see a really challenging schedule look at Florida's March schedule....17 games over 31 days....they are looking/playing good hockey.....with that schedule though if they make a playoff spot, it will be quite the accomplishment.
- Darklight11

They both have a rough one then. I think CBJ has two west coast trips.

Absolutely. Regardless of your seed, you have to play good teams to win, and you have to be able to win on the road.

And yes, the disparity between the Metro and Atlantic is ridiculous. After the top 3 in each divison, the Metro holds both wild card spots plus the 9 and 10 seed. If the Rangers didn't give up two weeks ago, they'd probably have the 11 seed. That is part of why I hate (and love) the divisional format, the two best teams may play each other in the first round.
- jmatchett383

I think the rangers were smart. They may have been able to squeeze in, but they knew what kind of playoff team they’d be.

NJ on the other hand I think is playing this all wrong. They’re not really in a rebuild anymore, but I also don’t think they’re done building. Selling to get rentals was a weird move to me.

I think the rangers were smart. They may have been able to squeeze in, but they knew what kind of playoff team they’d be.

NJ on the other hand I think is playing this all wrong. They’re not really in a rebuild anymore, but I also don’t think they’re done building. Selling to get rentals was a weird move to me.
- Rinosaur

Finishing with a play-off spot is probably very meaningful for where they're at. They got Maroon dirt cheap too so that was nice for them.

Agree on the Rangers, they kick-started their reboot well.

Shero is perfect for building a team to a championship level, once he gets the team to that level, however, he doesn't seem to know what to do next. Maybe he's learned since his time with the Penguins but something to keep an eye on in NJ.
- Murphy_Dump

It's been pretty brutal in Devilville since 2012. There were lean years before that. When you're as successful as the Penguins just making the playoffs doesn't seem like a big deal, but trust me it's huge.

NJ on the other hand I think is playing this all wrong. They’re not really in a rebuild anymore, but I also don’t think they’re done building. Selling to get rentals was a weird move to me.
- Rinosaur

NJ Buying to get rentals is surprising. I think that's why Ray did it relatively on the cheap. Gamble a little to get to try and get to the dance. They can try to make up for what they lost in free agency.

It's been pretty brutal in Devilville since 2012. There were lean years before that. When you're as successful as the Penguins just making the playoffs doesn't seem like a big deal, but trust me it's huge.
- Queenie_5_hole

I agree.

In the mid-late 90s and early 2000's, the Flyers were essentially guaranteed a playoff spot, it was just a question of where they'd finish. That's what the Pens are experiencing now. I bet that, during the late 90s and early 2000s, just making the playoffs for the Pens would be worth a little gamble.

Should I skip my night class taught by the x-director of the CIA to watch Brassard’s debut? Apitome of first world problems...

Congrats RW, your blog title was so pun-tastic we're 2 pages deep and no one has noticed it yet.

This has been a topic I’ve seen written about in hockey articles. It’s something I hope they will address because it takes away incentive to win in regulation just to get some kind of point.

I think it should be a 3-2-1 system.

3 for win
2 for an OT win
1 for an OT loss

Many will disagree on that with me, but something needs to be different. Maybe make 3 points for a win regardless of regulation or OT and only 1 point for an OT loss.
- Rinosaur

Agreed. I also dont think you should get anything for an OT loss. 1pt for SO loss.
Coming down to the stretch run go get a win ferda bois, Go Pens

Congrats RW, your blog title was so pun-tastic we're 2 pages deep and no one has noticed it yet.
- Murphy_Dump

I was just hoping if we don't say anything it won't encourage him to come up with something even more painful

#FreeCrosby

How ridiculous is the NHL point system though? Flyers are leading the Metro having 1 less win than Capitals and 2 less than Penguins.

In the West STL is a spot behind Calgary having two more wins. They may lose a wild card spot because of it.

Awful.
- Conse

Yup. Need to stop giving loser points or make ROW wins 3 pts.

Yup. Need to stop giving loser points or make ROW wins 3 pts.
- DeflatedPucks

So now you want games worth 4 points?

So now you want games worth 4 points?
- jmatchett383

No. 3 and maybe 2.

Prob should have been clearer. Looking to go toward Premier League Model. 3 for win, 1 for tie. Get rid of shootouts. Just play OT for however long and be done with it

No. 3
- DeflatedPucks

If they keep the loser point, but you make a ROW worth 3 points, all overtime games would be worth 4 points (3+1). Just make a regulation win 3, OT/SO win worth 2, OT/SO loss worth 1, and regulation loss worth 0.

Edit: Per your edit: You still would have unevenly weighted games, if you have 3 for a win and 1 each for a tie. I am in favor of continuous 3-on-3 OT, but the NHL will likely never get rid of the shootouts.

Should I skip my night class taught by the x-director of the CIA to watch Brassard’s debut? Apitome of first world problems...
- Victoro311

Yes.

Congrats RW, your blog title was so pun-tastic we're 2 pages deep and no one has noticed it yet.
- Murphy_Dump

Haha the first and only time I dropped by, earlier today, I didn't really notice the title.

It's awesome.

Yes.
- MattStrat

My concentration is having a happy hot right now at a bar so I’m pretty much to terms with the fact that if I get a couple or two beers in me with this fantastic weather I’m out on classes. Didn’t even bother bringing my backpack with me.

Curious what Pens fans think about the Horny's contract extension?

Personally I was a bit shocked both at the $ and the term I think they were both a bit high.

Should I skip my night class taught by the x-director of the CIA to watch Brassard’s debut? Apitome of first world problems...
- Victoro311

Depends which one. If its Michael Hayden, I would stay (NSA, Russia)

Then again, ifs its Petraeus I would go just to ask uncomfortable questions