The Blackhawks' Streak

I decided I wasn't going to comment on the streak until it was over.

- - -

Prior to last Friday, the Chicago Blackhawks had played 24 games.

14 of those games were decided in regulation. Chicago won all 14.
4 of those games were decided in the 5 minute overtime period. Chicago won all 4.
6 of those games were decided in a shootout. Chicago won 3 of those 6.

So it was a 24 game streak in which they earned a point in every game. Which is very impressive.
But it's even more impressive when you realize they didn't even lose a game in overtime, just shootouts.

- - -

To review, here are two ways of awarding standings points.

Current NHL 2-point plan
Reg Win/OT Win/SO Win = 2 points
OT Loss/SO Loss = 1 point
Reg Loss = 0 points

Hoagie Central's NHL 3-point plan
Reg Win/OT Win = 3 points
SO Win = 2 points
SO Loss = 1 point
Reg Loss/OT Loss = 0 points



I'm going to look at some top teams and see how they fair under both plans. 

- - - 

Currently, Montreal has earned 38 points in 26 games. That's a points percentage of .731
Under the 3-point plan they would have earned 52 points in 26 games. That's a points percentage of .666

Currently, Anaheim has earned 39 points in 24 games. That's a points percentage of .813

Under the 3-point plan they would have earned 53 points in 24 games. That's a points percentage of .736

Clearly, the NHL's current plan inflates records so that almost every team seems like they're above .500. 

What about the Blackhawks through 24?

They had earned 45 in 24 games. For a crazy percentage of .938
Under the 3-point plan they would have earned 63 points in 24 games. That's a points percentage of .875. 

That's crazy good and doesn't have quite the same drop off as other top teams when you take away loser points.