When Ranger Fans Should Take The Standings Seriously
We took a break from "Ask The Maven" yesterday, but we're back now. Today's question comes from Mike Miele of Manhattan:
FROM TIME TO TIME I HAVE READ THAT NHL STANDINGS AT THANKSGIVING PROVIDE A GOOD CLUE HOW THEY'LL BE AT THE FINISH.
The Maven's Response
The answer is both yes and no. It's not a guaranteed "Law" like the Law of Averages; rather, it's more of a theory or an educated guess. Still, Thanksgiving standings have often served as a useful indicator over the years.
Thanksgiving can act as a barometer for the rest of the season, but it’s never definitive. By that point, about two months of hockey have passed, enough to give clues but not enough to be certain. Factors like trades, coaching changes, and other developments later in the season can significantly alter standings.
Dividing the NHL Season into Thirds
The Maven suggests viewing the 82-game NHL season in three parts:
- October to December: Teams figure things out and make early adjustments.
- January to March: This period includes the Trade Deadline, when rosters largely settle and competition intensifies.
- March to Season End: The final stretch, where the greatest pressure exists and every game counts.
Key Takeaway
Success across all three phases is crucial, with Thanksgiving standing playing an important role as an early checkpoint.
Bottom Line: it’s best to be winning in every one of those three phases, especially around Thanksgiving!
Author’s summary: Thanksgiving NHL standings offer a useful early-season gauge, but teams must sustain strong play throughout all three parts of the season to secure success.