The system is the way it is because of two things:
1. The league wants parity. Awarding three points for dominating teams that win in regulation is just going to separate certain teams from the pack. I don’t disagree that, in all fairness, regulation wins should count for more. But it’s never going to happen, especially if it hasn’t happened already. Everyone has thought of it. The league does not want it. To think that there is going to be a downturn in excitement as a game goes to OT because you know your team can no longer earn the maximum points would be a real downer and contrast to the exciting prospect OT is supposed to be.
2. I doubt the player’s association wants to allow OT to extend indefinitely. Everyone clamored for 3 on 3 and thought it would follow a 4 on 4 tie. Then, they just made OT 3 on 3. And kept the shootout because before it everyone said “I hate ties”.
There is no perfect system here, but at this point...with all the changes that have occurred...I don’t see it changing again any time soon and it’s honestly good enough for me.