Not only has the 4 Nations Face-Off featured some amazing hockey, but also some changes to how the game has been approached.
For instance, the league instituted a 10-minute 3v3 overtime period, longer TV timeouts and a different point system than is typically used in the NHL.
Traditionally, during the NHL regular season teams will earn two points for a win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss and zero points for a regulation loss.
At the 4 Nations Face-Off, teams instead were awarded three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime/shootout win, one point for an overtime/shootout loss and zero points for a regulation loss (the same point system used by the PWHL too).
The 3-2-1 point system rewards teams that are able to get the job done in regulation and allows them to build ground on teams that are treading water by just getting to overtime.
It would also allow all games to carry equal weight as currently, some games result in three points in the standings (two for the winner and one for the loser if it goes beyond regulation) while others are worth just two (two points for a win in regulation and zero for the loss).
"I think it's a great idea," said Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "There's so many games that just go to overtime now. You maybe should be rewarded more for doing it in regulation. I think it's a good idea."
If the 3-2-1 point system were implemented this season, all the current playoff teams would still be in a playoff spot, although home ice advantage would shift around.
For instance, the Edmonton Oilers currently sit first in the Pacific and third in the West, but in the 3-2-1 system, they would be second in the Pacific behind the Vegas Golden Knights and fifth in the West.
So while the 3-2-1 point system really won't alter too much in terms of the standings, it could still shift around the wild card teams a bit and more so, give those top-end teams, who proved they were more capable of consistent 60-minute wins, the placements they deserve.
And it would make every game have an equal weight in terms of the standings and no longer would teams be able to skate by on the loser points alone.
Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.