With a new season upon us I thought I'd re-post my thoughts on the current NHL point structure which is as antiquated as beach movies with Frankie Avalon!
I give the NHL credit for adding overtime, the shootout, and, since the lockout, revamping the obstruction rules. But if they really want to make their schedule more meaningful, and get more fans interested in the game, then they need to restructure the points system.
Currently the most you can gain from a win, whether in regulation time, overtime, or the shootout, is only 2 points. I propose either a 5-point system, which is my preference, or a 4-point system, as follows.
5-Point System
5 points - Regulation win
4 points - Overtime win
3 points - Shootout win
2 points - Shootout loss
1 point - Overtime loss
0 points - Regulation loss
4-Point System
4 points - Regulation win
3 points - Overtime win
2 points - Shootout win
1 point – Shootout or Overtime loss
0 points - Regulation loss
Although either system would surely drive purists crazy, who cares, most of the purists live in Canada and will adapt, and this idea might well make it far more interesting for many other fans that aren't currently interested in the game. This and a team in Las Vegas would surely push the popularity of hockey south of the border.
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There is absolutely nothing wrong about being a purist...anyway,this point system is an interesting concept,but whether this will fly remains to be seen.Personally,I do not think much about shootouts to decide the outcome of games...and honestly,what the heck is wrong with a tie after playing five minutes of overtime and nothing is decided? As for putting an NHL team in Las Vegas...that would be a mistake.There are cities out there that are far more deserving of a franchise: Seattle,Houston,Halifax or how about going back to Winnipeg? The problem with the NHL today is that there are too many teams,the level of play is watered down,and you have teams in certain markets/regions were the fan support is not rock-solid.Over the course of the next few years,you will likely see contraction and/or re-location of teams...there are at least six franchises right now "on the bubble".Gary Bettman continues to drop hints there will be expansion...but he is not being realistic,he is living in denial.When attendance and revenue start dropping big time in those suspect markets,only then he will wake up and smell the coffee...and this is my hockey purist/old school point of view.
TenpinTony
Windsor, ON
Total Comments (182)
Now that everyone seems to be happy with removing TIES from the NHL and are excited about having an OVERTIME and a SHOOTOUT to settle the victory, why not award 2 points for the WIN and 0 points for the LOSS? It seems to be working well in the NBA and MLB.
If there are going to be ongoing 'tweaks' to the sport, I'd like to see them be streamlining for the fans as opposed to making the game more confusing to new and younger viewers.
2wenty2wo
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1)
Best Solution:
Regulation or OT Win = 2 points
Shootout Win = 1 point
Loss = 0 points
Overtime should be 5 on 5 for at least 10 minutes, preferably 20 minutes.
fanlove919
Beverly Hills , CA
Total Comments (1)
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