We’re Tied. Now What?

Well here’s a little light shed on a little-used rule: Breaking a Tie in the Standings.

This is courtesy of the always informative KuklasKorner:

If two or more clubs are tied in points at the end of the regular season, the standing of the clubs in each Conference will be determined in the following order:

1. The greater number of games won.

2. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any “odd” games, shall be used to determine the standing.

3. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season.

There is a little-known #4 that could most accurately be described as a fight to the death. With hockey sticks. And no visors allowed. Weird, eh?