Really is quite simple - the NHL is a points based league, not a win/loss league. Make it 3pts for a win,1 pt each for a tie, no OT/SO.
Have watched far too many games where neither team was good enough to win in regulation, that is what the 1pt for a tie is for, not being good enough to win means both teams suffer in the standings.
This will also have the benefit of stopping eastern games OT/SO eating into Flames games on TV
