Around the Boards 2/19/10

Today's Question:

How do you feel about the shootout and what changes, if any, would you make to it?

The Jackets Required staff kicks around one of the biggest changes in the 'new' NHL. Let us know how you feel in the comments section!

Do we still want to see these moves?

Or these?

Swaindog:

It sucks ass. It should go away. You award an extra point to the winner of a skills competition after 65 minutes of hockey couldn't separate the teams? What was wrong with win-loss-tie? And, do not award points for OT losses.

Top Shelf:

I get the appeal for casual fans, and the need for something to end a game before it goes into multiple extra periods. They are fun to watch.. But, it is a horrible way to determine the allocation of points in the standings. They way points are allocated once the game reaches a tie is the bigger issue. Something needs to be done to lessen the incentive/reward for losing in overtime.

Pepper Brooks:

When the NHL came out of the lockout with the shootout, I was a huge fan of it. I still find it exciting and have yet to walk out on one, but the shootout has definitely lost a lot its’ appeal for me. With the way shootouts affect the standings in such a tight league makes me hope that the league will do a little tweaking without totally depriving us of a little guilty fun (that’s what she said).

My solution would be to give 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for an OT or shootout win and 1 point for an OT or shootout loss. Awarding an extra point to the winner of the shootout or overtime would provide the extra incentive for the teams to put forth some effort and give that closure we all like as we leave the arena full of overpriced booze, while minimizing the impact that he has today. Too many columns in the boxscore? Whatever, you have a computer.