How The NHL's Tie-Breaking Procedure Works Ahead Of The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Mar 12, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) reacts as Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (40) scores a goal during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn ImagesWith a month left in the 2024-25 season, NHL fans will likely be checking the standings multiple times daily. This could lead to confusion and questions about why certain teams are ranked where they are. With this in mind, here is a look at the NHL's tie-breaking procedure for deciding seeding and which teams make the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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In the case that two teams have the same amount of points at the end of the year, the NHL has created a list of seven tie-breakers. The list must be followed in order to determine playoff seeding and participation. Below are the seven tie-breakers for this season.
- The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage).
- The greater number of games won, excluding games won in Overtime or by Shootout (i.e., 'Regulation Wins'). This figure is reflected in the RW column.
- The greater number of games won, excluding games won by Shootout. This figure is reflected in the ROW column.
- The greater number of games won by the Club in any manner (i.e., 'Total Wins'). This figure is reflected in the W column.
- The greater number of points earned in games against each other among two or more tied clubs. For the purpose of determining standing for two or more Clubs that have not played an even number of games with one or more of the other tied Clubs, the first game played in the city that has the extra game (the 'odd game') shall not be included. When more than two Clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any 'odd games') shall be used to determine standing.
- The greater differential between goals for and against (including goals scored in Overtime or awarded for prevailing in Shootouts) for the entire regular season. This figure is reflected in the DIFF column.
- The greater number of goals scored (including goals scored in Overtime or awarded for prevailing in Shootouts) for the entire regular season. This figure is reflected in the GF column.
To understand this better, we will use the second Wild Card situation in the Western Conference. As of the morning of March 15, 2025, the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks were tied with 71 points. Both teams have played 65 games and secured 30 total wins on the season.
In this scenario, the Flames currently have the advantage over the Canucks, thanks to rule number two. While the two teams have the same amount of wins, the Flames have one more regulation win (24) compared to the Canucks (23). That would mean that if the postseason started today, Calgary would claim the final Wild Card spot over Vancouver in the tie-breaking procedure.
Based on the way the season is trending, it is very likely that a tie-breaking procedure needs to be used. In fact, the same situation happened last season, with the Washington Capitals claiming the final Wild Card spot over the Detroit Red Wings thanks to a tie-breaker. While who makes the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs is still a mystery, one certain thing is that fans will be checking the standing page constantly until the end of the regular season.
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