With a new season upon us I thought I'd re-post my thoughts on the current NHL point structure which is as antiquated as beach movies with Frankie Avalon!

I give the NHL credit for adding overtime, the shootout, and, since the lockout, revamping the obstruction rules. But if they really want to make their schedule more meaningful, and get more fans interested in the game, then they need to restructure the points system.

Currently the most you can gain from a win, whether in regulation time, overtime, or the shootout, is only 2 points. I propose either a 5-point system, which is my preference, or a 4-point system, as follows.

5-Point System

5 points - Regulation win
4 points - Overtime win
3 points - Shootout win
2 points - Shootout loss
1 point - Overtime loss
0 points - Regulation loss

4-Point System

4 points - Regulation win
3 points - Overtime win
2 points - Shootout win
1 point – Shootout or Overtime loss
0 points - Regulation loss

Although either system would surely drive purists crazy, who cares, most of the purists live in Canada and will adapt, and this idea might well make it far more interesting for many other fans that aren't currently interested in the game. This and a team in Las Vegas would surely push the popularity of hockey south of the border.