Shootout is Scoring Big in Hockey

When the NHL instituted shootouts for all regular-season games the idea was received with skepticism. Older fans used to tie games and overtimes didn't like the idea of games finishing a nontraditional fashion. NHL players largely agreed, superstars didn't want to be put on the spot, and goalies in general were not in favor of having to face the NHL's best snipers one-on-one. Some fans disagreed and felt the shootout was a good way to end the game after regulation. While everyone agrees that it was good to leave the stadium with a definite winner and loser some fans felt the game should not be determined by a few breakaways. With players such as Alex Ovechkin, Martin St. Louis and Jussi Jokinen, the NHL has a recipe for success. In 2008-09 nearly 300 games went to overtime, and almost half of those 300 games ended in a shootout. Speed, skill, creativity, and flash were all on display during the shootout, giving fans a glimpse at what the best players in the NHL can do when they're not being hooked, clutched, grabbed, and checked. It gave fans the ability to see world-class talent go head-to-head night after night.

Hockey continues to change its rules and standards of play to allow for a more free and creative game where nonstop action and scoring opportunities are abundant. Yet, among all these changes most exciting has been the addition of the shootout. A quick stop at YouTube will give you a plethora of videos featuring the year's top shootout goals. Some of which are simply dazzling and feature headlines like "amazing goal", "you guys see this", "through the legs", and "top shelf". NHL hockey hasn't been this exciting and a longtime. Since the lockout changes have been made to make the game more exciting to fans. The NHL is also trying to bring in new fans from other sports and introducing them to the excitement and free flowing nature to the game of hockey. Regardless of whether people watch the entire game or not, whenever the shootout comes on TV, people watch. That's good for the game of hockey.

The excitement the shootout has created at the NHL level has started to find its way into minor and amateur league hockey. The season precollege conferences will have adopted the shootout. Both CCHA and hockey East are all having their game settled with shootouts. The shootout has become an accepted part of the game at almost every level.

While the shootout has always been popular with younger players, the adoption of the shootout by the NHL gives this outcome more credibility. Shootouts are often played at the grassroots level because of limited ice time and tournament play where the winner must be decided. Youth players are now able to watch their heroes duke it out one-on-one and then go to the rink the next day and try to emulate that player's moves. All these positives like the lamp for NHL teams in hockey as a whole.