“Not everyone wants to play the game, but for the statistically driven among NHL GMs, coaches and players – and there are lots of those – the primary exercise at this time of year is projecting The Number: That is, the number of points that gets you into the playoffs.
The Number has dramatically changed over the years; it has risen as a result of expansion; it rose again after the introduction of overtime; and in the first two post-lockout seasons; it skyrocketed for a third time after the shootout was adopted to put an end to the tie game.
Consider that back in the 21-team NHL, a really awful team could squeeze into the playoffs with a very low number if it happened to be playing in the right division.
In 1980-81, for example, the Hartford Whalers went 21-41-8 and still qualified, because the Detroit Red Wings were even worse at 19-43-18.”
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Some posts the robot says are related, but I'll let you be the judge of that:
- NHL Lock-Out 2004: relive the magic!
- Playoff Roundelay: Kings East and Flyers West both up 3-0
- stars lose, KINGS CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH
- With the Stars’ loss tonight, the Kings’ magic number is 1
- With Sunday’s Results, the Kings PLayoff Chances Tick Up 1.1%
- Projecting the Western Conference – On the Forecheck
- Goal Differential: How the Non-Playoff Teams Can Become Playoff Contenders — NHL FanHouse
