The NHL is a points league. But this year it may have to be a points percentage league. The 2020 season playoffs was determined by points percentage, not points. A team might have the better points percentage, say three games in hand, but trail another by two points for that final playoff spot. The Leafs and most of the analytically inclined teams look at points percentage.

Source: The Star January 04, 2022 20:00 UTC