Would NHL Playoff Standings Change with a 3-2-1 Point System?

As the playoffs approach, NHL general managers discussed potential rule changes, including overtime and point systems. While a longer 3-on-3 overtime was considered successful, the 3-2-1 points system from the 4 Nations Face-Off also drew attention.

This system awards three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime or shootout win, and one for an overtime or shootout loss, prioritizing decisive victories.

The question arises: how would the playoff landscape shift under this system? Although the NHL used 3-2-1 for the 4 Nations tournament, there were no discussions about adopting it at the recent GM meetings.

Let’s examine the potential impact on standings and playoff matchups if the 3-2-1 system were currently in place, focusing on the Western Conference.

Currently, the Western Conference standings would remain largely unchanged under the 3-2-1 system. Winnipeg, Dallas, and Colorado would still lead the Central Division, and Vegas, Edmonton, and Los Angeles would top the Pacific, battling for home ice advantage.

Minnesota and St. Louis would still hold the wild-card spots, with other teams close behind.