The NHL is planning to make a subtle change for the upcoming season that will eliminate shootout wins when determining the first tiebreaker in the standings. Only regulation and overtime wins will be used for the tiebreaking system. Victories of any kind had been used in the past.
ESPN.com reported that rule would be approved during board of governors meetings Sept. 14, a decision that sounded like little more than a formality. Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson proposed the move during meetings in March, and other GMs quickly jumped on board.
Apparently, league officials wanted more emphasis on team play to decide which teams finish higher in the standings. It's a good start, but it doesn't go far enough. If they want more weight on regulation and overtime play, it should be reflected in the standings all of the time rather than only in the case of ties.
I've never been a fan of a team getting a point in any loss, so here is my proposal: two points for a win in regulation or overtime, one for a win in a shootout and none for any loss.
--- Bucky Gleason
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