I don't hate the shootout as much as some people do. I actually have a much bigger problem with a scoring system that allows for some games to be worth 3 points and others 2 (if I was in charge, a win is 2 points, a loss is 0 points no matter when it happens, regulation or OT. And If you win in the shootout, you get a single point, like a tie in the old system – showing that you earned something but not that it has the same value as a “real” win.)
But I saw this on CalgaryPuck and thought it was worth passing along:
—
Dear Hockey Gods,
It's me. Flashpoint.
I know that you and I have had a tumultuous relationship. I care
for you, and you care for me, but I have said things, and you have done
things, that neither of us should be proud of. But let us put me
calling you “turdburgler” and you causing a 7 year playoff drought
behind us.
Something important is coming. A unique opportunity. A special event. A
chance to make a real difference in the hockey world. And I want to
choose my words for this prayer carefully, so I am writing them down
for all to see.
As you know, a couple seasons past, the NHL decided to introduce the
shootout. All real fans saw this for what it was – something occurring
in a hockey game that was not hockey. Much like a Bertuzzi punch from
behind, a Jordan Tootoo “he ran into my fist”, or the Edmonton Oilers,
the shootout is an abomination to behold, an affront to the game, and a
blight upon all that we hold dear.
Sadly, this has not been recognized universally yet. The media
considers it darling. They have embraced this child of soccer and the
IIHF in their highlight reels and statistical packages. It is easy for
them – quick to show, convenient in it's appeal, and requiring little
analysis from the oft challenged announcer. The NHL too defends the
shootout as a grand idea that keeps fans in their seats (as though
patrons pay on their way out of the building as well as in).
Even I have been tempted. You have seen fit of late to have Iginla
(blessed be his name, may his leaves never fall) and Tanguay (he of the
mighty Tong with which he batters Millions) score seemingly at will.
Kipprusoff (of the Flaming hair and smoking habit) and his joyous
rubberlike appendages have stopped all pucks and brought great
rejoicing to the C of Red in the extra frame.
But at the end it’s just candy. Tasting wonderful in the short term,
but eventually leading to diabetes and obesity. It hurts me when I
watch too much of it. It tempts me from what hockey should be –
physical, fast, determined, gritty, defensive, hard hitting, shot
blocking, bodychecking, clear the puck off the glass with your face,
goalie fighting, 2 on 1, pass across the crease, unleash the wicked
slapper, scoring on the rebound, hit em in their MIND hockey we have
all grown up with and love.
All because some say “it is only the regular season, so the shootout is fine”. As though the regular season didn’t matter as much as the playoffs.
Therefore, I now turn to you oh Hockey Gods. For you have seen fit to
place many teams in a mighty battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern
Conference. And two of the most popular of those teams, the Canadians
of Montreal, and the Leaves of Toronto (cursed be their playoff
fortune), will play next Saturday.
Oh Lords of Hockey – Make Toronto and Montreal play for the final playoff spot in that game.
And make them play evenly matched until time expires.
And have a shootout.
And then eliminate one of those teams from the playoffs.
On national TV in Canada.
While the media discuss how great the shootout is, and how “it doesn’t really matter because it isn’t used in the playoffs.”
And then let the debate about how a 5 on 5 win should be worth more
than a shootout win take hold in the cold heartland of hockey.
So say we all.
Flashpoint
p.s. Please also
try to limit the number of people who die in the ensuing riot where the
losing team burns down their own building. Unless it is Toronto. In
which case it is pretty much a mercy killing.
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