The National Hockey League (NHL) is the world’s premier professional ice hockey league. It is known for its fast-paced and exciting action, and it is a favorite among fans all across the globe. As such, it is important for people to stay up to date with the NHL standings. Understanding the NHL standings can help you keep track of your favorite teams, know who is in the playoffs, and make predictions about who will win the Stanley Cup. In this article, we will explore the basics of NHL standings and provide helpful tips on how to follow them.
What is the National Hockey League?
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the top professional men’s hockey league in the world. It consists of 31 teams that are divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. Each team plays 82 games in a regular season, and the team with the best record in each conference is awarded the Presidents’ Trophy. After the regular season, the top eight teams in each conference participate in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team that wins the Stanley Cup Final is crowned the champion of the NHL.
The NHL is widely followed by hockey fans, and it is a beloved part of the sports landscape. It is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and it boasts a global fan base. As such, it is important for hockey fans to stay up to date on the NHL standings.
Understanding NHL Standings
The NHL standings are a representation of how each team has performed during the season. They are updated after each game and provide a snapshot of the overall standings. The standings are broken down into three categories: points, wins, and losses. Teams are awarded two points for a win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss. The standings also list the number of games played, the total number of wins, losses, and overtime losses, and the points percentage.
The NHL standings are also used to determine who advances to the playoffs. The top three teams in each division and the two wild card teams from each conference qualify for the postseason. The top seed in each conference receives a bye and the remaining teams compete in a best-of-seven series to determine who advances.
Breaking Down NHL Standings
NHL standings are broken down into two categories: conference and division standings. Conference standings list teams in order of their overall points percentage, while division standings list teams in order of their division points percentage. Division points are calculated by taking into account the number of games played and the number of points earned within the division.
The NHL standings also show the current and future opponents for each team. This can be useful for fans who want to keep track of their favorite team’s schedule. The standings also provide information on the number of games remaining in the regular season and how many points a team needs to make the playoffs.
How to Follow the NHL Standings
Following the NHL standings can be a daunting task, but it is essential for hockey fans to stay up to date on their favorite teams. The easiest way to follow the standings is to check the NHL website or app for the latest information. The website and app provide detailed information on the standings, and they are updated after every game. Additionally, many sports websites and newspapers provide up-to-date standings that can be useful for keeping track of the NHL.
Another way to follow the standings is to keep an eye on the sports pages of major newspapers. Most newspapers provide detailed information on the NHL standings, and they are updated frequently. Additionally, some newspapers provide analysis of the standings which can be useful for understanding the current state of the NHL.
Understanding the Different NHL Divisions
The NHL is divided into four divisions: Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. Each division is made up of eight teams, and the teams are ranked according to their points percentage. At the end of the regular season, the division winners are awarded the division title and the top three teams in each division qualify for the playoffs. Additionally, the two wild card teams from each conference also qualify for the postseason.
The division standings are important for understanding the NHL standings as a whole. Teams within the same division compete for division titles and the divisional rankings can affect playoff seeding. Additionally, some teams may have an easier path to the playoffs if they are in a weaker division.
Exploring NHL Playoff Standings
The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting times of the year for hockey fans. The playoffs are a best-of-seven series between the top eight teams in each conference. The two wild card teams compete for a spot in the conference semifinals, and the division winners receive a bye.
Once the playoffs begin, the NHL playoffs standings are updated after each game. The standings show which teams are advancing and the current point totals for each series. Additionally, some websites and newspapers provide analysis of the playoff standings which can be useful for understanding the current state of the playoffs.
Strategies for Following the NHL Standings
Following the NHL standings can be a daunting task, but there are several strategies that can make it easier. First, it is important to keep track of the overall standings. This will help you understand the current state of the league and keep track of your favorite teams.
Second, it is important to keep track of the division standings. This will give you an understanding of the current divisional race and allow you to make predictions about who will make the playoffs. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the playoff standings. This will help you understand how the playoffs are unfolding and make predictions about who will win the Stanley Cup.
Staying Updated on the NHL Standings
Staying up to date on the NHL standings is essential for hockey fans. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this. As mentioned above, the NHL website and app are great sources of information and they are updated after every game. Additionally, many sports websites and newspapers provide up-to-date standings and analysis. Additionally, some websites and newspapers provide detailed analysis of the standings which can be useful for understanding the current state of the NHL.
Benefits of Following the NHL Standings
Following the NHL standings has many benefits for hockey fans. It can help you keep track of your favorite team’s progress, understand the current state of the league, and make predictions about who will win the Stanley Cup. Additionally, understanding the standings can also help you make informed bets on NHL games.
Conclusion
The NHL is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and it is followed by millions of fans. As such, it is important for hockey fans to stay up to date on the NHL standings. Understanding the standings can help you keep track of your favorite teams, know who is in the playoffs, and make predictions about who will win the Stanley Cup. In this article, we have explored the basics of NHL standings and provided helpful tips on how to follow them.