Welcome to NHL What-If
The beauty of hockey lies not just in the moments we remember — but in the ones we never got to see. What if the 2002 Red Wings faced off against the 2023 Oilers? What if the 1994 Rangers had to outlast the modern Bruins in a seven-game series? With NHL What-If, those scenarios are no longer just bar talk — they’re simulations you can run in seconds.
Powered by team data, win percentages, and a custom-built simulation engine, NHL What-If lets fans run full 7-game matchups and entire seasons between teams from the past 30+ years. The best part? No account required. No subscription. Just pick your teams and press go.
This project began as a small side experiment — a single Python script on a quiet night — and has since grown into a full web platform with real users, feature requests, and future potential. There are no fancy machine learning models behind the curtain (yet), just real data, transparent logic, and a shared love for the game.
Whether you're here to relive classic rivalries or spark new debates, this tool is designed to grow with your curiosity. You can stick to the Free Sim and run two-team matchups, or upgrade to Full Sim Mode to simulate entire seasons, download CSVs, and explore deeper matchups.
The Road Ahead – Community, Features, and Your Input
What makes this special isn’t just the code or the math — it’s the community. From the suggestions on our feedback form to the sim results people post on social media, it’s clear that NHL What-If is becoming more than just a tool. It’s a digital playground for hockey fans.
This blog will feature:
So whether you’re a stat junkie, a casual fan, or just curious how your favorite team would’ve done in another era — welcome. Run some matchups, upgrade if you’d like, and let’s build something awesome together.
– Tristen, Creator of NHL What-If
