Why are the Toronto Maple Leafs still in contention despite being seventh in their division?

The entire Atlantic Division is underperforming, resulting in a very tight points race where the Leafs are only four points from the lead.

What is causing the NHL's standings to be so close this season?

A combination of teams cooling off after hot starts, struggling teams rebounding, and a record number of overtime games inflating point percentages is creating unusual parity.

How do overtime losses affect NHL standings?

Teams receive a 'loser point' for overtime losses, which inflates their point percentages and contributes to tighter standings across the league.

Home / Sports / Leafs Stuck in Atlantic Chaos

Leafs Stuck in Atlantic Chaos

23 Nov

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Summary

Toronto Maple Leafs are seventh in Atlantic Division but only four points back.
The entire Atlantic Division is underperforming, leading to a tight standings.
League is on pace for most overtime games, inflating point percentages.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently seventh in the Atlantic Division, a position that would typically signal a team in distress. However, despite a recent slide, the Maple Leafs are only four points out of first place, highlighting the unusual parity within the division. The teams that started strong have cooled, while others have found their footing, creating a tightly contested race where the leader holds a mere .595 points percentage.

This parity is further amplified by the league's "glorious" loser point and a record pace for overtime games. NHL.com reports an unprecedented number of contests heading into overtime, a trend that inflates point percentages across the board. This makes it challenging for teams to gain significant ground, as opponents often secure at least one point even in a loss. Coach Craig Berube attributes this to the league's overall evenness.

The Atlantic Division's competitiveness means every point is crucial, including those from overtime losses. The Maple Leafs have dropped three overtime games this season, points that could prove vital as they navigate this unpredictable landscape. Their upcoming game against the Montreal Canadiens, a team also struggling after a strong start, is expected to be another tight contest.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.