OTL stands for “Overtime Loss” in hockey. It is a statistic used to track games in which a team loses during the overtime period.
FAQs:
1. How is an overtime loss different from a regular loss in hockey?
In a regular loss, a team is defeated during the regulation time of the game. However, in an overtime loss, a team is defeated during the extra time added to the game when the score is tied at the end of regulation.
2. Why is OTL used as a statistic in hockey?
OTL is used to give credit to teams that manage to force the game into overtime, even if they eventually lose. By tracking this statistic, it allows for a more comprehensive assessment of a team’s performance throughout the season.
3. How does an overtime loss affect a team’s standings?
In terms of the standings, an overtime loss still earns a team one point. This point is added to their overall point total, which determines their position in the league’s standings. So, although a team loses, they still receive a point for extending the game.
4. When did the NHL start using OTL as a statistic?
The NHL officially started tracking overtime losses as a separate statistic in the 1999-2000 season. Prior to that, ties were more common in the NHL, and teams earned a point for a tie instead of an overtime loss.
5. Is there a difference between an OTL and a shootout loss?
Yes, there is a difference between an OTL and a shootout loss. In the regular season, games that are tied after overtime proceed to a shootout. If a team loses in the shootout, it is recorded as a shootout loss (SOL) rather than an overtime loss (OTL).
6. How does the OTL statistic impact playoff qualification?
In the NHL, the playoff qualification is primarily determined by the number of points a team earns throughout the season. As an overtime loss still earns a team one point, it can play a significant role in securing a playoff position, especially in tightly contested races.
7. Are there any other sports that use the OTL statistic?
While the OTL statistic is primarily associated with hockey, it is also used in some other sports such as soccer. In soccer, an “overtime loss” is recorded when a team loses during the extra time added to a match when the score is tied at the end of regulation.
BOTTOM LINE:
OTL stands for “Overtime Loss” in hockey and is used to track games in which a team loses during the overtime period. It differentiates from regular losses and is included in a team’s overall point total to determine their position in the league standings. The NHL started tracking OTL as a distinct statistic in the 1999-2000 season, and it can impact playoff qualification.
