Due to expansion, the NHL changed their format to the Divisional system they have today. Ever since then, there has never been a division with 4 teams to reach 100 points.
This year, there were two divisions who had that.
Going into the season, people knew that the Atlantic Division (New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and the New Jersey Devils) would be a tough division to face. Little did they know, these teams were the toughest in hockey just about all season long. Each team stuck to their own systems and powered through the league. Personally, being a fan of the Devils, I find it to be a pain in the ass that we have to play 3 of the best teams in the NHL 6 times each. But each team had to put up with it and it's truly remarkable what each team accomplished.
As for the Central Division (St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks), it was a little bit of a different story. Chicago barely reached the 100 point mark and they needed a win on the last day of the season. Detroit also waited for the last week to get there. But just like with the Atlantic Division, the Central Division showed true resilience and skill throughout the year and it is impressive that they were able to achieve this feat.
Now it is easier for this to occur ever since the shootout was established in the 2005-2006 season. But people should not minimize what these Divisions have accomplished. First of all, no Division has done it since the shootout has been integrated into the league so it clearly isn't THAT simple. And second of all, it's remarkable that two divisions were able to achieve it.
So congratulations to each Division. They do have the opportunity to do this again next year considering this thing was voted against and canceled. All 8 teams definitely have the capability to do it again next year and I wouldn't be surprised if they did. That is, as long as they still have the Islanders and Blue Jackets to beat up on...
This year, there were two divisions who had that.
Going into the season, people knew that the Atlantic Division (New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and the New Jersey Devils) would be a tough division to face. Little did they know, these teams were the toughest in hockey just about all season long. Each team stuck to their own systems and powered through the league. Personally, being a fan of the Devils, I find it to be a pain in the ass that we have to play 3 of the best teams in the NHL 6 times each. But each team had to put up with it and it's truly remarkable what each team accomplished.
As for the Central Division (St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks), it was a little bit of a different story. Chicago barely reached the 100 point mark and they needed a win on the last day of the season. Detroit also waited for the last week to get there. But just like with the Atlantic Division, the Central Division showed true resilience and skill throughout the year and it is impressive that they were able to achieve this feat.
Now it is easier for this to occur ever since the shootout was established in the 2005-2006 season. But people should not minimize what these Divisions have accomplished. First of all, no Division has done it since the shootout has been integrated into the league so it clearly isn't THAT simple. And second of all, it's remarkable that two divisions were able to achieve it.
So congratulations to each Division. They do have the opportunity to do this again next year considering this thing was voted against and canceled. All 8 teams definitely have the capability to do it again next year and I wouldn't be surprised if they did. That is, as long as they still have the Islanders and Blue Jackets to beat up on...
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