Why wouldn't it make a difference in the standings? In close games, teams would be trying a lot harder to get the 3 points instead of only 1, or 2. If the playoffs are on the line overtime points are not going to be enough.
That's a very good hypothetical, for sure. I don't like the fact that some games are worth 2 and some 3, and I agree that teams would play differently to game the new system, but it's a risk I doubt the NHL would take. What if it pushes teams even further apart in the standings? In the end, they're about entertainment, and close playoff races contribute to that.