The shootout has got to go! I understand the reason it was put into the NHL, so they gain regain some popularity and put in a new rule that fans would look forward to. It is no way to end the game and I am not just saying that because the Flyers have lost their last 2 in shootout style. It is not exciting and it places the emphasis on individual players instead of the whole team. They already waste all this time bringing the Zamboni’s out on the ice before the shootout, they might as well change it to something different.
Alternatives
1. First off you can keep the 4 on 4 OT style that they play with but extend the time to 10, 15, or 20 minutes sudden death. 4 on 4 hockey is very exciting and it is back and forth the whole time.
2. Play a 4 on 4, 5 minute OT. If nobody scores during that time then go to 3 on 3 for 5 minutes. I am positive that with the skill on the ice a goal will be scored during this time.
3. Both of these options are good options but if nobody scores in the amount of time allotted then the game should end in a tie and each team gets 1 point and we move on to the next game.
The shootout proves nothing and frankly seems more boring then exciting to me these days. Specially because it takes time to Zamboni then they go one at a time and it just ends. Boooooorrrringgggg! NHL should change the rules so that more team skill is involved instead of individual skill.
-DB
SRO Sportsblog 
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