NHL Points System Explained: How Teams Earn Points
If you are new to ice hockey, one thing can feel confusing very quickly —the NHL points system.
Why do some teams with fewer wins still rank higher?What is the difference between overtime losses and regulation losses?
Don’t worry. In this guide, we explain how teams earn points in the NHL in the simplest way possible.
What Is the NHL Points System?
The NHL points system decides:
- Team rankings in the standings
- Which teams qualify for the playoffs
- Home-ice advantage
Every game gives teams a chance to earn points, even if they lose in overtime.
How Many Points Can a Team Earn in One Game?
In a single NHL game, a team can earn:
- 2 points (for a win)
- 1 point (for an overtime or shootout loss)
- 0 points (for a regulation loss)
This system rewards teams for staying competitive until the end.
NHL Points System Breakdown (Simple Table)
Win (Regulation / Overtime / Shootout)
- Points earned: 2
Loss in Overtime or Shootout
- Points earned: 1
Loss in Regulation Time
- Points earned: 0
This is why NHL standings often look different from other sports leagues.
Regulation Win vs Overtime Win – Is There a Difference?
In terms of points, there is no difference.
Whether a team wins:
- In regulation time
- In overtime
- In a shootout
They always earn 2 points.
However, regulation wins are sometimes used as tiebreakers in the standings.
Why Does the NHL Give 1 Point for Overtime Losses?
This is one of the most common questions.
The NHL introduced this rule to:
- Encourage aggressive play in overtime
- Prevent teams from playing only defensively
- Keep games exciting until the end
Teams are rewarded for pushing the game beyond regulation time.
Example: How Points Work in Real Life
Imagine this situation:
- Team A wins 40 games, loses 30 in regulation, loses 12 in overtime
- Team B wins 38 games, loses 25 in regulation, loses 19 in overtime
Even though Team B has fewer wins, they may rank higher because:
- Overtime losses still earn 1 point
- Consistency matters more than just wins
This makes the NHL standings more competitive and unpredictable.
Why the NHL Points System Confuses New Fans
Most sports leagues use:
- Win = points
- Loss = no points
The NHL is different.Because:
- Overtime losses still earn points
- Shootouts exist
- Not all losses are equal
Once you understand this, NHL standings become much easier to read.
Unique NHL Rules Beyond the Points System
The NHL is full of unique traditions and rules.One surprising example is why jersey number 0 is banned in the NHL, something that often confuses new fans.
How the Points System Affects Playoff Qualification
The NHL points system directly decides:
- Which teams reach the playoffs
- Which teams miss out by just 1–2 points
Late-season games become extremely intense because every single point matters.
To fully understand what happens after the regular season ends, it also helps to know how the NHL playoffs work.
Does the NHL Points System Ever Change?
The NHL has experimented with different formats in the past, but the current system remains popular because:
- It keeps teams competitive
- It increases excitement
- It rewards effort even in close losses
While debates continue, this system is likely here to stay.
Final Thoughts
So,how do teams earn points in the NHL?
- Win→ 2 points
- Overtime or shootout loss →1 point
- Regulation loss →0 points
The NHL points system may look confusing at first, but once you understand it, following the league becomes far more enjoyable.
Every goal, every overtime shift, and every shootout attempt can change the standings.