Which NHL team had the most overtime losses in a season
The Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders each lost 16 games in overtime during the 2023-24 season, setting a record for most overtime losses in a season NHL. The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames matched 14 OT losses in 2024-25. Here's what's interesting: teams actually earn one point for overtime losses instead of zero, so reaching overtime helps them stay competative in playoff races.
Which teams hold the record?
The Canadiens and Islanders dominated the OT loss category in 2023-24 with 16 each. Fast forward to 2024-25, and the Canucks and Flames tied for the most with 14 losses beyond regulation. The drop from 16 to 14 is small but it shows overtime games remain a major factor in the league. Both sets of teams share one trait: competitive rosters that frequently push games past the final buzzer.
Why are overtime losses increasing?
The NHL is seeing more overtime contests than any point since the salary cap era began in 2005. Teams across the league play tighter games now because talent is spread more evenly (honestly, parity has gotten wild). The Philadelphia Flyers had 43% of their games go to overtime in 2024-25, while the Carolina Hurricanes reached 28%. Three-on-three overtime creates wide-open ice and more scoring chances, making it harder for teams to win before the shootout.
How overtime points affect the standings
An overtime loss still counts as a loss in the standings, but the team earns one point instead of zero. This system rewards effort and keeps teams closer together in the playoff race. A team with 14 OT losses gains 14 crucial points they wouldn't get from regulation losses. Those points can be the difference between making the playoffs and staying home (no playoff hockey is rough).
What this means for fans and bettors
High overtime loss totals tell us something important about a team's character. Teams that lose many OT games show resilience but often struggle when the pressure peaks. Tracking overtime performance helps fans predict which teams have the mental toughness for playoff runs. When you see a team with double-digit OT losses, you know they play hard but sometimes fall short in crucial moments. Understanding these patterns makes following hockey way more rewarding.
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