The shootout is your friend

John F · November 19th, 2006, 11:27 AM

I know a lot of traditionalists have harped and grown angry at the NHL's decision to employ the shootout to decide the winner of NHL games... There is a faction - more of a faction to be blunt - that still takes this track with the shootout and can't see positives in this. Oh sure, there are a few sweet goals and some great saves here and there but a shootout is like "deciding a baseball game with a home run derby" as a friend once put it.

The other night I was watching the Islanders playing the Lightning in Tampa and the goalies were putting on a show -- Rick DiPetro and rookie Johan Holmqvist weren't letting anything through with the game tied. Overtime loomed and I started thinking how the game could end in a tie just because both goalies deserved extra credit for the performances they were putting up in net.

Yet how many times do you hear fans of opposing teams heaping praise on goaltender efforts? Regardless of who wins, who loses and such -- it's more likely a fan will attack his own team for allowing the other team to score X number of goals to begin with. And when a shootout goes more than 3 rounds, there are more than a few out there who will harp on both their team's effort more so than the effort employed by both goalies.

Say what you will about the shootout but I find it entertaining. Frustrating at times, for sure, but watching the pure one-on-one always gives me a thrill. It keeps at least this fan on the edge of his seat while waiting for something to give.

Patrick · November 20th, 2006, 08:58 AM

I am not a huge fan of the shootout but I like it better than a game ending in a tie. I still have a bigger problem with a losing team getting a point than I do with the shootout.

PredDave · November 20th, 2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick

I am not a huge fan of the shootout but I like it better than a game ending in a tie. I still have a bigger problem with a losing team getting a point than I do with the shootout.

I don't mind the losing team getting a point, but I used to get a bad taste in my mouth when you spent nearly 3 hours at the arena and walked away tied...

I really enjoy the excitement of the shootout!

MtAvsfn · November 23rd, 2006, 12:27 AM

I like the SO too. I miss good fights and huge hits more though.

Jen · November 23rd, 2006, 07:59 AM

As for me, I would much rather have these games end in a tie then going to a shootout. I just don't think that a 65 minute hockey game should be decided on a shootout. It just doesn't seem appropriate to me. Why play the game at all then?

Just my opinion...

77-Fan · November 23rd, 2006, 03:44 PM

As a traditionalist, I'll tell you that I was completely against the shootout before they instituted it. As a fan of the bottom-feeding CBJ, I'll tell you that we've stolen a number of points because of it.

That oughta tell you right there how much place it has in deciding games and current standings.

Do I enjoy it? Absolutely. Won't change the TV channel during a shootout, no way. In watching a random game, I often hope the overtime ends tied to see the shootout. No doubt I enjoy it.

But I can't ever see me agreeing that it belongs in the game.

November 19th, 2006, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,510	The shootout is your friend I know a lot of traditionalists have harped and grown angry at the NHL's decision to employ the shootout to decide the winner of NHL games... There is a faction - more of a faction to be blunt - that still takes this track with the shootout and can't see positives in this. Oh sure, there are a few sweet goals and some great saves here and there but a shootout is like "deciding a baseball game with a home run derby" as a friend once put it. The other night I was watching the Islanders playing the Lightning in Tampa and the goalies were putting on a show -- Rick DiPetro and rookie Johan Holmqvist weren't letting anything through with the game tied. Overtime loomed and I started thinking how the game could end in a tie just because both goalies deserved extra credit for the performances they were putting up in net. Yet how many times do you hear fans of opposing teams heaping praise on goaltender efforts? Regardless of who wins, who loses and such -- it's more likely a fan will attack his own team for allowing the other team to score X number of goals to begin with. And when a shootout goes more than 3 rounds, there are more than a few out there who will harp on both their team's effort more so than the effort employed by both goalies. Say what you will about the shootout but I find it entertaining. Frustrating at times, for sure, but watching the pure one-on-one always gives me a thrill. It keeps at least this fan on the edge of his seat while waiting for something to give. __________________ The more they over think the plumbing, the easier to stop up the drain.

November 23rd, 2006, 07:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jen Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 17	As for me, I would much rather have these games end in a tie then going to a shootout. I just don't think that a 65 minute hockey game should be decided on a shootout. It just doesn't seem appropriate to me. Why play the game at all then? Just my opinion... __________________ In Loving Memory of Denny Gragg-November 19, 1945-October 23, 2006. Rest in Peace Daddy.

November 20th, 2006, 08:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
Patrick Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 75	I am not a huge fan of the shootout but I like it better than a game ending in a tie. I still have a bigger problem with a losing team getting a point than I do with the shootout.

November 23rd, 2006, 12:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
MtAvsfn Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 328	I like the SO too. I miss good fights and huge hits more though.

November 23rd, 2006, 03:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
77-Fan New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3	As a traditionalist, I'll tell you that I was completely against the shootout before they instituted it. As a fan of the bottom-feeding CBJ, I'll tell you that we've stolen a number of points because of it. That oughta tell you right there how much place it has in deciding games and current standings. Do I enjoy it? Absolutely. Won't change the TV channel during a shootout, no way. In watching a random game, I often hope the overtime ends tied to see the shootout. No doubt I enjoy it. But I can't ever see me agreeing that it belongs in the game.