That's not really how I look at it. If you want a playoff spot you have to look at what the 8th place team has generally done in recent years and find a way to match that level.
Relying on a hypothetical of barely squeaking above the 9th place team is a dangerous game.
Look at 2021 for example. You can say "the Habs would have got in with 56 points!" Problem is, the Flames wouldn't have got in with 56 points. They would have needed 59.
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