The longest pointless streak in NHL history is 17 games. This somber record is jointly held by two teams: the 1974–75 Washington Capitals and the 1992–93 San Jose Sharks.
Understanding a Pointless Streak
In the National Hockey League (NHL), teams earn points based on game outcomes:
- 2 points for a win (whether in regulation, overtime, or shootout).
- 1 point for an overtime loss (OTL) or shootout loss (SOL).
- 0 points for a regulation loss.
Therefore, a "pointless streak" specifically refers to a continuous run of games where a team fails to earn any points, meaning every game results in a regulation loss. It's a distinct category from a simple "losing streak," which might include games where a team still earned a point from an overtime or shootout loss.
The Record Holders
The 17-game pointless streaks by the Capitals and Sharks represent periods where these teams were unable to secure even a single point from any of their consecutive matchups. This signifies a profound struggle, as they did not manage to push any game into overtime to at least secure a single point.
Here's a look at the teams holding this unenviable record:
| Team | Season | Streak Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | 1974–75 | 17 games | Established the record for the longest pointless streak in NHL history. |
| San Jose Sharks | 1992–93 | 17 games | Tied the Capitals' record for the longest pointless streak. |
Distinguishing Pointless Streaks from Losing Streaks
It's important to differentiate between a pointless streak and a general losing streak. While all pointless games are losses, not all losses are pointless. For instance:
- The 2003–04 Pittsburgh Penguins had a lengthy losing streak that included one overtime loss, meaning they earned a point in that particular game.
- The 2020–21 Buffalo Sabres also endured a significant losing streak, which notably included two overtime losses and one shootout loss, allowing them to collect a point from those specific games.
These examples highlight that while the Penguins and Sabres were in prolonged losing slumps, their streaks were not entirely "pointless" in every game. The 17-game records of the Capitals and Sharks, however, signify a complete absence of points over their respective streaks, making them truly "pointless."
