The NHL's current parity has thrown a wrench into the traditional notion that the standings become set by Thanksgiving, with teams still clustered tightly together and the outcome of many games hanging in the balance.
In years past, it was often said that once the standings were largely determined on or before Thanksgiving, the playoffs were all but certain. However, this season's remarkable parity has seen 77.1% of playoff-bound teams still remaining a few points above the cutoff line since November, with only four games separating top spot in the East and last place in the West.
The Chicago Blackhawks are one team that is reaping the benefits of this trend. Despite losing four straight for the first time all season, they remain just two points out of a playoff spot, thanks to having a game in hand on the next team above them. Their situation has some similarity with other top teams like Boston and Pittsburgh, who have both experienced streaks of success.
The league's lack of dominance is largely due to its incredibly close games, which have led to an unusually high number of overtime contests – 90 as of last week. This not only makes for exciting hockey but also means that "loser points" are being distributed more evenly throughout the standings.
According to Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill, the tight nature of the league requires a high level of urgency and consistency from players if they're going to stay on top. The coach believes this close competition is beneficial to the league as a whole, with teams now having more meaningful games at the end of the season.
For the Blackhawks, who have struggled in recent outings but still hold onto playoff hopes, playing in those "meaningful" games could be an invaluable learning experience for their young roster. Having already shown some grit and poise under pressure, they're well-positioned to benefit from this parity-driven landscape – even if their chances of making the playoffs aren't currently reflected in projection models or betting lines.
In years past, it was often said that once the standings were largely determined on or before Thanksgiving, the playoffs were all but certain. However, this season's remarkable parity has seen 77.1% of playoff-bound teams still remaining a few points above the cutoff line since November, with only four games separating top spot in the East and last place in the West.
The Chicago Blackhawks are one team that is reaping the benefits of this trend. Despite losing four straight for the first time all season, they remain just two points out of a playoff spot, thanks to having a game in hand on the next team above them. Their situation has some similarity with other top teams like Boston and Pittsburgh, who have both experienced streaks of success.
The league's lack of dominance is largely due to its incredibly close games, which have led to an unusually high number of overtime contests – 90 as of last week. This not only makes for exciting hockey but also means that "loser points" are being distributed more evenly throughout the standings.
According to Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill, the tight nature of the league requires a high level of urgency and consistency from players if they're going to stay on top. The coach believes this close competition is beneficial to the league as a whole, with teams now having more meaningful games at the end of the season.
For the Blackhawks, who have struggled in recent outings but still hold onto playoff hopes, playing in those "meaningful" games could be an invaluable learning experience for their young roster. Having already shown some grit and poise under pressure, they're well-positioned to benefit from this parity-driven landscape – even if their chances of making the playoffs aren't currently reflected in projection models or betting lines.
. It's crazy that teams can still be fighting for playoff spots with like, only a few games to go. I think it's awesome that the Blackhawks are making the most of this situation - losing four straight shouldn't mean they're out of the woods just yet 
. The parity in the league is definitely making for some thrilling hockey, and I'm all for it! Having more "meaningful" games at the end of the season can only bring about better fans like me who get to see their team really give it a go 
. And yeah, I think having that extra push from coaches like Jeff Blashill will help the young Blackhawks players learn what it takes to stay on top 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to play in a game that can go either way? It's exciting for fans, but also makes every game feel super important 
. The Blackhawks' situation is wild, they're not even at their best right now and still have a shot at the playoffs 
. This close competition might actually be beneficial for the league, like coach Blashill said 
. It forces teams to perform when it matters most, which makes for some great hockey 
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I think what's crazy about this season is how it's playing out. The parity is insane! It feels like every game matters and teams are still jockeying for position well into December 
. For me, the NHL has always been about the regular season being a grind, but now it's like that grind just became a whole lot more exciting 
. With all these close games and OT contests, I'm loving the unpredictability! It makes the season feel longer than usual too... until the very end 
. I think this close competition is what's making hockey so exciting again 
. And for the Blackhawks, playing in those "meaningful" games could be a huge learning experience for their young roster 
. Let's hope they can ride this wave all the way to the playoffs! #NHLParity #HockeyIsBack #BlackhawksNation 
And I love what Coach Blashill said about the benefits of close competition. It's true that this level of urgency and consistency requires a high level of performance from players, and it's exactly what teams need to grow and develop their rosters. The real question is: will they be able to capitalize on these "meaningful" games? Only time (and some more thrilling hockey) will tell! 
anyway i think the blackhawks situation is pretty interesting cuz they got this game in hand on the next team above them so that means if they keep winnin their chances of makin the playoffs r pretty good now
. The Blackhawks situation is a perfect example of this, they're not giving up even when things aren't going their way, and that's what makes them attractive as a team to watch 
. I mean, who doesn't love watching closely contested games that can go either way until the very end? It's like a real-life rollercoaster ride for teams and fans alike! And you're right, it makes for "loser points" to be distributed more evenly throughout the standings – talk about fairness 
And 90 overtime contests? That's crazy! 
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And don't even get me started on these overtime contests - 90 of them already? That's just crazy. It's like they're trying to make sure everyone gets an equal share of "loser points". Anyway, I guess it's good for the young bucks at Chicago (and Boston, and Pittsburgh too) to be learning under pressure... maybe that'll help 'em develop some actual hockey skills instead of just relying on their talent to carry them through. 
every point counts and the overtime games are insane 
but at the same time its awesome for the league cuz its making each game matter more than ever 
The Blackhawks are living proof that even when things seem bleakest, there's still hope 
Fingers crossed they can pull off a comeback and make the playoffs! 
. The Blackhawks are doing alright for themselves, despite those losses, they're still in the mix