Overtime Losses

Let me start with a theoretical possibility for the standings in the NHL. Keep in mind that wins (regulation and overtime) are worth two points, overtime losses are worth one point, and regulation losses result in no points awarded. Let’s imagine a team that loses every single game in its season in overtime. For those who are familiar with NHL standings, we are talking about an 0-0-82 record. This would be good for 82 points, and a .500 record. Let’s also imagine that every other team in their conference splits wins and losses in regulation for the remaining games. For out of conference games, we will say that teams in the same conference as the 0-0-82 team would lose every game in regulation. With six games played against each divisional opponent, four against each of the remainder of the conference, and 18 games total out of conference, we could summarize the conference standings as below:

Team(s)	W	L	OTL	Pts
Sample Team	0	0	82	82
Teams in same division	35	47	0	70
Teams in same conference	34	48	0	68

In this scenario, a team could lose every single game that they play in a year and win the conference. I know that this will never happen, but the fact that it can be worked out on paper says something. The problem is quite simple. In the NHL, a win and loss in regulation is worth two overtime losses. This is a highly illogical reality.

In the past, games ended in ties. The league implemented the point for an overtime loss to try to encourage teams to try for a win in overtime. The rule didn’t make much sense back then. While there was nothing to lose in overtime, there was more to lose in regulation. This discouraged teams from trying for the victory in regulation. It convinced teams to play more offensive during a five minute overtime and more defensive for the preceding sixty minutes. The league wanted to increase scoring, but the point for the overtime loss is counterproductive.

The rule makes even less sense today. The league has gotten rid of ties but kept the point. Since teams would much rather play for one or two points than they would for zero or two points, the league’s attempts to increase offensive play rewards defensive teams. Personally, I don’t believe that overtime games should be worth any more than regulation games. By turning overtime games into three point games instead of the traditional two, teams playing in overtime have more points to fight over.

I have heard that the league is keeping this rule for parity. Teams are taking longer to be eliminated since the weaker teams are being given the loser points. With each game having a potential of two points to gain against the competition, the math works better for these teams late in the year. Since losing teams can potentially have more points in the standings than winning teams, it increases the chance for undeserving teams to reach the playoffs. I would much rather have the best teams playing in the playoffs, even if it means having to eliminate the weaker teams earlier.