Shootouts Are A Good Thing For The NHL

Earler this month, the NHL released changes to its rules governing the game. Everything from the severity of penalties such as embellishments to an expanded role of the video review on goals. One rule that has remained untouched is the overtime aspect of a regular season game. More specifically, the shootout remains intact. With the exception of head coaches not required to submit a list of their first three shooters, the shootout remains as is. In my opinion, this event is a great attraction for the game. It keeps fans engaged and showcases skills and imagination of a hockey player. It’s “mano y mano”, one on one. The shooter versus the goalie. The pressure of being the savior of a team in a given night makes for some exhilarating drama.

But why are some fans against it? What is wrong with the shootout that makes it undesirable? Let me make some points why the shootout is a great solution to overtime.

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Player Safety

As it stands, today’s NHL game consists of 60 minutes in regulation, which is divided up into three periods of 20 minutes. If the teams remain tied, then a five minute overtime period gets underway. During this time, teams skate four-on-four in a sudden death matchup. If the teams are still tied, then a shootout to determine the winner commences.

Why is this not liked? The shootout helps to reduce unnecessary injuries to key personnel. Especially if your team is in the playoff hunt, you don’t want Sydney Crosby, John Tavares, or any of your franchise player to go down because of a hit in overtime. Granted, the same risks are present during regulation of a game. However, overtime consists of a shorter time period. Unless your team is in the playoff hunt, it is unnecessary to put your stars out on the ice when you could rest them. The shootout is a means to an end.

“More bang for your buck”

Hockey fans enjoy the on-going struggle between two teams. For the most part, you are getting more “bang for your buck”. However, this type of play should be reserved for the postseason, as it is. The shootout showcases skill and determination on the part of the shooter and a team’s goalie. It is always fun to see what a player can do with a puck when they are by themselves. We’ve all seen clips of the hands of a Patrick Kane or Steven Stamkos when they are messing around at practice. The shootout allows that.

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Keeps fans engaged

If you have watched a baseball game in person or watched on TV, you know how repetitive it could get. It’s the same rules for every inning. Especially if extra innings are required, teams could play on and on till the early hours of the next day. It gets to a point where you would rather just turn off the tv or leave the game cause of work or some other obligations. With the shootout, it eliminates that. If you watch a regular season hockey game, the fans have all their eyes at center ice. They are standing up and loud. One deke or goalie stop could determine a team’s fate between winning or losing. It’s that drama that makes this part of the game exciting. It’s like a movie. You have the beginning where you get to know the characters. It builds to a point. Then, the characters engage in acts to determine the outcome. Lastly, the finale. It could be argued that hockey is the same way.

So before you dismiss the shootout, please consider my points. As always, please share your thoughts.

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