The only standings that matter

In recognition of the fact that the Kings have played themselves into a nail-biting playoff race, I’ve simplified the “real” (a.k.a. “points-blown”) standings. Here’s all you need to know. If you’re a Ducks or Sharks fan, it might make you feel worse; if you’re an Avs or Wild fan, it might make you feel better. Everyone else, you’ll feel about the same. For now.

“Q” = position in my standings, ranked in order of points-blown (“PB”). “OFF.” = the official standings (via ESPN). Points-blown is the total number of points a team has failed to earn, to date; a loss is 2 points-blown; an OTL/SOL is 1. So it’s like golf. Lower number is better. “PRJ” = projected point total. “to94” is the record needed to get to the presumed — by me — threshold of 94 points (we can debate the merits of this presumption in the comments; I base it on the fact that, at 94 points, the odds of every team in the conference of making the playoffs are above 90%). “GP” is games played. “W” is wins, not counting SOWs. This is the first tie-breaker, so it’s sort of important.

The budgeted number of OTL/SOLs (in the to94 column) is based on league averages. You are, of course, free to lose more in regulation if you lose less (times two) in OT/SO.

The Kings are in 10th, 5 points out of 4th, 1 point out of 7th-8th. They can afford 14 more losses (or 12 losses and 4 OT/SOLs, etc.). They’re not totally screwed, but if I were them, I wouldn’t save all the wins for the last 25 games.