This column examines the true standings based on a playoff standard. An overtime win is worth two points, a loss in OT is zero points. If tied after over-time, each team gets one point and we call it a tie game because it is. NO bonus points here.
Some good teams will miss the playoffs because of this point’s parade scheme the NHL continues to perpetrate. It seems more fans are becoming aware of what a joke the current bookkeeping system really is.
Last night the Habs blasted Detroit 7-2 and the commentary focussed on how far back the Habs were from the playoffs. In the real standings though, they sit just 2 points out which highlights the fact that Montreal could well be a casualty of the distorted "posted" standings when the playoffs start. Based on the way this season is unfolding, the Habs will have company.
Another Canadian hopeful, the Flames, could also be a casualty. In the real standings they are in the playoffs right now while Minnesota and the Kings are out. It is shaping up as a year where other than Vancouver, no Canadian team is a lock for the post-season. On the other hand, as the real standings will attest, all Canadian teams except the Oilers are either in or close with the Jets tied for 8th in the East, and both Ottawa and the Leafs well inside the playoff picture with a cushion of 6 and 4 points respectively.
On the top end of the NHL just 4 teams have more than 60 points with the Rangers and Blues at 63 then Vancouver and the Wings at 61.
The next group sees the Flyers at 60 with Boston and Nashville at 58 then Chicago at 57. Thus far, this group of 8 are the elite teams and seem a good bet to make the post season but that leaves 8 more spots up for grabs.
In the next cluster, from 50 points to 53 we have the Caps at 53, the Pens and Sens at 52, the Sharks with 51 and Toronto with 50. Arguably these teams have a great chance to make the post season so that leaves just 3 spaces left.
There are 9 teams competing for those 3 spots. In the 44-point to 49-point range Dallas and Calgary both have 49 followed by the Wild and Kings both with 48 then Phoenix with 47. New Jersey, Florida, Winnipeg are next, all with 46 and Colorado is just one point back at 45.
We shouldn’t forget two underachievers thus far in Tampa and Montreal right there at 44 points apiece. In the real NHL standings, all these teams would have a real shot at those last playoff spots. In the make believe world of 3 point games, those needing to gain ground will find climbing up nearly impossible due to the spectre of 3 point games amongst the teams they are chasing.
As a Canadian, I would hope to see the Flames, Habs and Jets slide in but that is probably too much to wish for. All these teams have shown signs this season but unlike Vancouver, have no margin of error the rest of the way.
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