There's been a weird trend to the start of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs
We're officially almost a couple of weeks into the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and there are a few weird trends that stand out.
The NHL saw a very high-scoring regular season (the highest since 1995-96), with an average of 3.14 goals scored by teams over the course of the year. I don't think too many people thought it would carry into the postseason, as things usually tighten up and scoring goes down, but it's currently up over 3.20 per game so far.
With the exception of the Colorado Avalanche sweeping the Nashville Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins up 3-1 on the New York Rangers, just about every series is close. Before last night's games, six of the seven series still going were tied 2-2. That's very odd with the number of blowout games; it feels like there have been.
The average margin of victory in the 37 playoff games played is over three goals. The only series consistently producing close games is the Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars, whose most significant victory was 4-1 for the Flames in game four, with an empty netter.
I believe all this results from the added penalty calls we've seen from NHL referees than fans are used to in the playoffs. The NHL has been set on more goals scored will make them more money, so Gary Bettman and Co. must be loving the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs so far.
