Scuttle the shootout

The shootout as a method to decide games in the National Hockey League after
65 minutes is a lame way to determine a result.
In truth, a penalty shot contest really seems like a soft way to declare an
outcome in what is a fast-paced, full-contact sport.
Rooted as the shootout is in international hockey where it has determined
world and Olympic championships — what, like there’s no time at these things
to finish because there’s an ice rental due on the local Olympic ice palace
at the top of the hour? — the shootout removes the team concept which is so
important to hockey.
Clearly, the shootout was one of the most gimmicky changes introduced to
excite fans following a lockout season. But, after one season and like most
novelties, it’s a concept already starting to wear thin in appeal, in part
because fans see it for what it truly is — a gimmick.
Goals are supposed to be scored in hockey as a result of bashing and
banging, digging and deking. Passing and pressure on the opponent. Not
skating one-on-one at a leisurely pace without enemy pursuit.
The NBA doesn’t solve games with a game of H-O-R-S-E. Baseball doesn’t have
hitters launching homers off a batting tee instead of a 10th inning. Nor do
quarterbacks throw passes through a tire hanging from the goalposts to
decide football games.
The NHL did produce some exciting overtime hockey last season with teams
assured one point and lining up four-on-four. And shootouts were fun for a
few weeks.
How about this, for a thought.
Maintain the four-on-four overtime session for five minutes. But if the game
ends in a tie, both teams receive nothing.
You want frantic pace? At least fans will be assured teams are leaving it
all out on the ice for the full duration of overtime.