True NHL Standings - Jan. 4 / 08

[gordphish]

West

1. Detroit .732
2. Minnesota .575
3. San Jose .550
4. Vancouver .561
5. Dallas .548
6. Colorado .525
7. Phoenix .513
8. St. Louis .500 (38 GPs)

9. Calgary .500 (42 GPs)
10. Chicago .487
11. Nashville .487
12. Anaheim .476
13. Columbus .463
14. Edmonton .405
15. Los Angeles .357

East

1. Ottawa .641
2. New Jersey .564
3. Atlanta .488
4. Pittsburgh .550
5. Philadelphia .514
6. NY Islanders .513
7. Buffalo .500 (38 GPs)
8. Montreal .500 (40 GPs / 7 OTLs)

9. Boston .500 (40 GPs / 4 OTLs)
10. NY Rangers .488
11. Carolina .476
12. Florida .463
13. Toronto .390
14. Washington .390
15. Tampa Bay .366

[gordphish]

The most interesting aspect of these standings is that it throws the whole argument about how allowing 24 teams to make the playoffs lets weaker teams into the post season right out the window.

In reality, the current format the NHL uses to track the 'top' 8 teams in the conference does just that. Currently in the west, the Flames and Ducks both hold down playoff spots despite having lower winning percentages than the Coyotes and Blues, while in the east the Hurricanes, Bruins and Rangers are in despite having lower percentages than the Thrashers, Sabres and Flyers.

[rustybadcock]

The most interesting aspect of these standings is that it throws the whole argument about how allowing 24 teams to make the playoffs lets weaker teams into the post season right out the window.

In reality, the current format the NHL uses to track the 'top' 8 teams in the conference does just that. Currently in the west, the Flames and Ducks both hold down playoff spots despite having lower winning percentages than the Coyotes and Blues, while in the east the Hurricanes, Bruins and Rangers are in despite having lower percentages than the Thrashers, Sabres and Flyers.

I am always intrigued by this approach and find it hard to disagree with. Interestingly, I like our position both ways. We're a winning team that's 9 games above 500....it's a nice place to be at the half way mark.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Intresting, more so when you consider hhow sowm teams have flirted with respectability this year based on the OT and Stupid Out.