Quote:
Originally Posted by CSharp
Don't forget the draft positions.
The thing that gets me is that teams position themselves for playoffs and other division rivals based on the multi-point system. If no points are awarded for losses, teams strategy is to win every single point possible.
For draft positions, I think this should be changed slightly to prevent teams from outright tanking. The league should look at the season in two separate halves. I haven't really thought it through yet and most of the rules put in place to prevent teams from consecutive #1 or #2 overall picks year after year (like from Oilers, Sabres, and Pens). Still, some teams are lining themselves up for a higher lottery pick in certain years (eg: the next 2 draft years). Maybe Cup winners should get the same opportunity as the bottom dwellers. This way, teams would need to compete rather than expect a handout.
|
Simpler answer is to smooth the lottery odds a lot more. For example:
10% odds each team under .400pt%. No incentive to be as embarassing as ARI or MTL. (5 teams right now)
5% for each team .401-.450 (only CHI right now)
Remaining odds are spread evenly among all non-playoff teams (including the above) - 45%/16 teams = 2.8% each.
Draw for all spots (starting with #1) - max drop 4 spots from final standings place (the only time the worst of the worst will benefit a bit)
Based on current standings:
ARI/MTL/OTT/SEA/BUF = 12.8% each
CHI = 7.8%
Other 10 teams: 2.8%
Obviously you could tweak it a bunch more and add a .351-.400 category (or .451-.500), and give/take away odds based on previous years draft luck (ie. 1OA last year loses 5%, 2OA loses 4%, etc.)