What is a point in hockey as a team statistic?

A point in hockey can mean two things, and this could create confusion among new hockey fans since it can be considered a personal statistic or a team statistic. Previously, we talked about a point as a personal stat, so today, let’s continue that discussion and talk about what points are as a team stat. 

The short answer is this: The NHL differs from the NFL, NBA, and MLB as it’s a points-based league and not one whose standings are primarily determined by wins and losses. That said, when an NHL team wins a game, they still get recognized in the win column, but they also earn two points, which is the primary indicator of where they sit in the standings. 

Therefore, there is no true win percentage in the NHL but a points percentage, meaning an NHL team could have a “losing record” in terms of wins, losses, and overtime losses. The 2023-24 Sabres, for example, finished 39-37-6, meaning they won 39 games and lost 43 games when you combine losses and overtime losses, giving the illusion that they finished under 0.500. 

But this is untrue, as they actually finished with a 0.512 points percentage with 84 points in 82 games, meaning they were above 0.500 for the 2023-24 campaign. But how did the Sabres end up with 84 points on the season?

How points as a team statistic are determined in the NHL

Every time a team wins a game in the NHL, whether it occurs in regulation or overtime, they get two points allocated toward their overall points total. So, with the Sabres snagging 39 wins in 2023-24, they received 78 points in regulation and overtime wins. 

But, when a team loses in overtime or during a shootout, they receive one point. If you’ve ever heard an NHL fan utter the phrase, “loser point,” this is what they’re talking about. Since the Sabres lost six games in overtime last season, they earned an additional six points, giving them 84 on the season. 

Finally, if a team loses in regulation, which happened to the Sabres 37 times in 2023-24, they’re rewarded zero points. So, to break it down, it’s two points for a win in regulation or overtime, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero points when a loss occurs in regulation.