Overtime and shootout hockey provide edge-of-your-seat excitement, but have you ever stopped to think about how the points awarded for these games shape the NHL standings? Unlike the NHL’s two-point system, leagues like the IIHF and PWHL use a three-point model that prioritizes regulation wins and ensures consistency in points allocation. Inspired by these systems, I’ve explored how different models—including a hypothetical five-point system—might alter NHL standings and better reflect team performance. Would these changes improve the game, or is the current system just fine? Let’s break it all down.

Welcome back to "Down on the Farm," your almost-weekly Sound Of Hockey Podcast segment in written form. We took last week off for the holidays, but we're back this week to talk about an event that reminds us of this joyful season—the World Junior Championship. We'll...