Versus NHL Almost every game the Hawks play against the Jackets the game ends in OT or a shootout. Last nights game the Hawks won in the 11th round of the shootout.
Anybody else absolutely sick of the shootout? I figure a story like is the best place to talk about the pointlessness of the whole thing.
It feels so arbitrary and gimmicky. The skills involved in shootouts have nothing to do with the previous 60+ minutes of hockey, and it creates such an artificial ending that diminishes what led to that situation. I don't get why everyone's so averse to ties. I remember the NHL partly justified shootouts because of teams would enter OT conversatively, playing for the tie. Giving teams points for OT/SO losses hasn't really eliminated that. I say the NHL should keep OT 4-on-4, and possibly extend it. If shootouts aren't good enough to make it in the playoffs, they don't have a place in the league IMO.
I got a few things against teams going into OT and playing conservatively. Btw, I was very slow on figuring out what you wrote after. xD Anyways, as a fan going to plenty of hockey games I've seen a few boring OTs end and a tie being put up on the standings and leaving somewhat satisfied, but not extremely satisfied. I see the SO as more towards the fans. Watching a skater try to get the puck past the Goalies is pretty fun to watch, even more entertaining when you are there. More goals in a shorter time listening to Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis is pretty fun at the UC. I'm not against getting rid of the SO, but I see your point. 4 on 4 for five minutes is to short.
The idea that it was what the fans wanted was the argument at the time, it was one of the reasons I supported the shootout following the lockout. But do you really think its made that big of a difference in fan interest and attendance? I'd argue that it's done more to turn off older fans of the league than introduce new ones (although I don't think very many people have stopped watching the NHL because of shootouts). I feel like 10 minutes of 4-on-4 action is bound to create some sort of decisive conclusion to the game. The game becomes so wide open and teams really can't play overtime too conservatively with that much open space on the ice.
