In the current NHL , a regulation game is 60 minutes ( 3 periods lasting 20 minutes a piece ) & the winning team is awarded 2 points in the standings. The more points a team acquires , the better its chances of advancing to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
If both teams are tied at the end of regulation , they each earn a point in the standings & the game goes into overtime. If the score is still tied at the end of overtime , the teams determine the winner ... & who will be awarded the full two points for the victory ... by going to a shootout.
Since the game tonight went to a shootout , the Sabres got a 1 point towards their total in the standings & their opponent ( the Colorado Avalanche ) got two points for winning the game.
Btw , I love you.
