NHL Analysis and Explainers
Wild cards, tiebreakers and how the playoff bracket actually works — how the NHL turns two conferences into a Stanley Cup run.
Six Goals a Game Again: Every NHL Season Since 1917-18, Counted
NHL games averaged 6.16 goals in 2025-26, a fifth straight season above six. Every season since 1917-18, from 10.06 to 2.92, counted from official NHL data.
Down 3-1 in the NHL Playoffs: 32 Comebacks in 362 Series
NHL teams have come back from 3-1 down in 32 of 362 best-of-seven series, 9 percent, and from 3-0 four times. Every comeback, the odds by score and Game 7s.
The NHL Thanksgiving Rule, Counted: 221 of 288 Made the Playoffs
Since 2005-06, 221 of 288 NHL teams in a playoff spot on US Thanksgiving made the playoffs, 77 percent. How far back is too far, and the biggest comebacks.
The Presidents' Trophy Curse, Counted: 8 Cups in 40 Seasons
Presidents' Trophy winners have won the Stanley Cup 8 times in 40 seasons and none since 2013. Every winner since 1985-86, how its run ended and why it happens.
The 2026-27 NHL Season, Predicted Before Opening Night
Projected points and playoff odds for all 32 NHL teams from 10,000 simulated 84-game seasons. Colorado leads on 125; the East's last wild card needs 99.
The Point You Get for Losing, and Who It Saved
The NHL gives a point for losing in overtime. It handed out 326 of them last season, and taking them away changes who made the playoffs in both conferences.
Everything NHL on Vertize Sports
The full NHL regular season schedule night by night, plus a simulator that starts from the real standings and plays out the rest of the year.