Quote:
Originally Posted by squiggs96
Arizona and Colorado are already out of it, no matter what system of points you use. Look at the Western Conference teams not in the playoffs right now. Under the current format, 4 teams not in a playoff position need two wins to get in. With the 3 point system, three of those teams only need one win. If they won two games they are only one back of 3rd in the division.The fourth team (Vancouver) is still two wins back, just as they are in the current standings.
You can also gain on your opponents quicker in the 3 point system. Say you win two games against division rivals. That's six points. In the current system it's tough to gain ground, because two teams above you can both move ahead of you when you lose if that game goes into OT. How many nights do you watch the OOT scoreboard and hope the game ends in regulation? I know I do it lots. If each game is worth the same, it can actually help teams not in a playoff spot.
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On the flip side, a few seasons ago Chicago only made the playoffs because Dallas lost in regulation on the last game of the season.
Perhaps now you gain ground quicker, because teams are more equality in parity, but the hockey of past showed that loser clubs would lose. The current inflation of points give casual fans the sense of chance, even if in all likelihood the loser point keeps their team from gaining ground. I think only hardcore fans have a problem with the point system. And the NHL is not in the business of pandering to the purests. They want a game where an outsider observes the sport and falls for it.