There’s always debate among hockey fans about how to improve the NHL. After the final seconds of Monday’s game between the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild, fans are urging the league to take action and make a drastic change—many of them saying the exact same thing.
If there’s one thing NHL fans love to discuss, it’s potential rule changes. Lately, much of the talk has been about the playoff format and whether the No. 1 seed should simply play the No. 8 seed—a discussion that resurfaces every year as the postseason approaches.
But now, fans seem to agree that the NHL needs to address the regular season as well. Currently, a team that wins—whether in regulation, overtime, or a shootout—earns two points. A team that loses in regulation gets nothing, but a team that loses in overtime or a shootout still earns one point. This system sometimes discourages teams from pushing for a regulation win, as both teams are often content securing at least one point. For instance, the Vancouver Canucks have only three more wins than the Seattle Kraken but sit 13 points ahead in the standings.
Fans furious during New Jersey Devils game
On Monday, fans felt they saw the perfect example of why things need to change. In the final seconds of the Devils-Wild game, neither team appeared interested in going for the win in regulation.
The Devils held possession behind their own net, making no attempt to attack, while the Wild made no effort to pressure them. It was clear both teams were content heading to overtime, guaranteeing each at least one point. Social media erupted with fans voicing the same frustration:
“Hahaha love it. I want to see teams do this earlier and earlier in the game until the NHL switches to a three-point system.”
“This is why we need three points for a regulation win. This is nonsense.”
“Of course. No risk of losing. You get the same reward for winning, but this way, you’re guaranteed a point.”
“This is why teams shouldn’t get a point for OT losses.”
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