Thanks to the advent of the “overtime loss” and the shootout, every NHL game that’s tied after 60 minutes is now a three-point affair; two for the eventual winner, one for the loser. Eleven teams finished the 2006-07 regular season with over 100 points.

The 100-point season may have become mundane, but someone still has to win the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record. Last year’s victors were the Buffalo Sabres with 113 points. Their chances in 2007-08 are slim following the exodus of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury; after 16 games, Buffalo was just 6-9-1 for 13 points.

This year’s safest pick out of the chute was the Ottawa Senators, who have posted four straight 100-point campaigns in the weaker Eastern Conference. Bryan Murray was kicked upstairs and John Paddock became the new bench boss; the Sens have responded with a 14-2 start to the season for 28 points, tops in the NHL at press time.