[j-monster]

Something I've been wondering for quite a while now. Why are there so many more strong teams in the NHL than in the past? Much stronger. In the Eastern Conference, there are 10 teams with a winning record, and only 5 that have a losing record, with 2 or 3 of those teams just barely under .500

I don't get it. I know there's plenty more offence, but these teams have only mainly played within their own conference. To repeat myself, I just can't understand why all of these teams have good, if not exceptionally good, records. I mean, not everyone is playing Florida every night. I suppose the point for a loss in overtime helps, and there's always a guaranteed winner in overtime. Maybe that's the key?

Actually, if you add OTLs to regulation losses there are only seven of 15 teams in the East over .500. So, while it looks like a team like Pittsburgh is only a couple of games below .500, they are 7-15.

Yeah, the OTLs kind of inflate the records somewhat. A lot of teams are over .500 in terms of number of points gained versus points possible, but some of those teams are actually below .500 in terms of wins and losses, like cfern pointed out.

There are a lot of good teams though... or at least teams that could be good if they clicked on all cylinders. The redistribution of talent due to the salary cap has made a difference in that area, I think.