publish: true gemini: true tags:

• pwhl
• statistics
• game_studies created: ‘2026-05-04 14:40’ last_modified: ‘2026-05-04 14:40:00’ status: evergreen confidence: fact

The three point standings system incentivizes regulation wins

By awarding three points for a regulation win and only two for an overtime win, the PWHL mathematically eliminates the passive ‘play for a tie’ strategy common in late NHL games. This fundamentally alters coaching analytics, pushing teams to execute high-risk offensive plays to secure the full three points. It perfectly demonstrates how resolving the Tragedy of the commons arises from misaligned incentives creates a more entertaining product.\n\n[^1]: PWHL Standings Mechanics and Late-Game Coaching Strategy.