If you follow NHL standings, you’ve probably seen the term “ROW” next to team names. But what does ROW mean in hockey, and why is it important? Let’s explain it in simple terms.

What Is ROW in NHL Standings?

ROW stands for “Regulation plus Overtime Wins.” In NHL standings, ROW is a statistic that counts the number of games a team has won in regulation time or overtime, but not in a shootout. The idea is to highlight wins that are more challenging to achieve since shootouts are seen as more of a toss-up.

For example, if a team wins a game during the regular 60 minutes or in the overtime period, that win counts towards their ROW total. However, if they win in a shootout, that victory doesn’t count towards their ROW. This stat is important because it helps determine tiebreakers in the standings.

Why ROW Matters in Hockey

ROW is used as a tiebreaker when teams are tied in points in the NHL standings. Points are the main factor in ranking teams, with two points awarded for a win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss. But if two or more teams have the same number of points, ROW is used to break the tie.

Let’s say two teams are tied in points. The team with the higher ROW will rank higher in the standings. This system rewards teams that can win games without needing a shootout, which is seen as a less reliable way to determine the better team.

The ROW statistic encourages teams to go for the win in regulation or overtime, rather than playing conservatively and waiting for a shootout. It adds an extra layer of strategy to how teams approach close games, especially as the season progresses and every point becomes crucial.

Understanding ROW in the Context of Other Hockey Stats

ROW is just one of many statistics used in the NHL standings. It works alongside other key stats like Points (PTS), Regulation Wins (RW), and Goal Differential (GD). Here’s a quick look at how these stats work together:

  • Points (PTS): This is the total number of points a team has earned through wins and overtime/shootout losses.
  • Regulation Wins (RW): This counts the number of games a team has won in regulation time only, excluding overtime and shootouts.
  • Goal Differential (GD): This is the difference between goals scored and goals allowed. It’s another tiebreaker used after ROW.

Together, these stats give a more complete picture of how well a team is performing throughout the season. While points are the main driver of standings, ROW plays a crucial role in sorting out ties and rewarding teams that win in more decisive ways.

How to Use ROW When Following NHL Standings

As a fan, understanding ROW can give you better insights into how your favorite team is performing compared to others. If your team is tied in points with another, checking the ROW can tell you which team has the edge. Teams with a higher ROW are generally seen as stronger because they’ve proven they can win without relying on the shootout.

Also, keep an eye on ROW as the season nears its end. With playoff spots on the line, every win becomes more important, and ROW can be the difference between making the playoffs or missing out.

Conclusion

ROW might seem like just another number in the NHL standings, but it’s an important one. It highlights teams that can win games outright in regulation or overtime, giving them an edge in tiebreaker situations. So the next time you check the standings, take a look at the ROW column. It might just give you a better idea of how your team is really doing.

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