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July 29, 2005
Shoot me now
So, the NHL is starting back up in October, and one of the major rule changes that they've brought about is that tie games will end in a shootout, where three skaters from each team get breakaways on the goalie. Whoever wins the shootout, wins the game. I think this is a stupid, stupid idea.
First, let's look at the major reason for a shootout: fans think ties are dumb. I think fans are dumb. Yes, a tie can leave you unfulfilled. Nobody won! Woe is me! But dammit, ending a tie in a shootout is not going to fullfil anybody either.
I am not going to start with the "home run derby" contest to end tie baseball games comparison. I'm sick of that. But what I'm saying is that in the end, after a shootout, you don't really get the feeling that you "won."
My main evidence for this is that for about four or five years, Major League Soccer ended their tie games with a shootout. Almost every fan hated it, and I predict that NHL fans will hate the shootout, too. They hated it so much, in fact, that they dropped it and went back to ties.
I'm not going to lie, the shootout is exciting. A lot of things are exciting. A game of rock paper scissors can be exciting. Throwing rocks at things are exciting. But nowhere would anyone suppose that these are good ways to resolve something.
Plus, when the shootouts begin to pile up, other things will be decided based on shootout results. I'm certain some fans would be upset to find out their team missed the playoffs because they can't win a shootout.
So, we will see how this shootout thing works. But, my prediction is that it will create more problems than it will solve. It's simply not a good idea.
Posted by oz115 at July 29, 2005 02:30 PM
Comments
You are so very wrong, good sir. Shootouts are better b/c of several reasons. First, it eliminates ties which is the dumbest thing in sports behind baseball allowing relief pitchers to warm up on the mound and coaches wearing uniforms. Ties do nothing! They prove nothing! All they do is prove that both teams are equal and that no team is better than the other. That's not sports! Sports is a winner and a loser. Period.
Second, you say the opponents claim ties leave the fan unfulfilled. You got that right! I rarely watch regular season hockey, but love the sport. I have been quoted that hockey playoffs are almost my favorite; slightly behind NFL playoffs. I LOVE watching the sport live. It is exciting and action packed. Therein lies the problem. You think, as a fan, I'm going to fork over $50 a ticket and almost $30 on food and parking to see a game end in a tie?! WRONG! If I give up one of my worknights to pay the salary of the players and attend their overpriced games I want to see a winner. When I'm leaving the corporate owned (and named) $400 million arena I want to have a satisfied smile or dejected frown on my face based on my team's performance.
Third, the shootout is what the NHL DESPERATELY needs right now. Boy, is it in a time of need for fan support. After the lockout, caused by the selfish players and owners, the NHL needs to do something to liven games up and win back fan support. Yes, the die-hards will always be there. Yes, the MLB fans came back after the '94-'95 strike, but why? It's because baseball is our national pasttime and has been around for over 100 years. Americans grew up with baseball and will revert back to it despite tough times. Moreover, baseball ignited fan support by one reason: the homerun. The home run chase of '98 began the resurrence of MLB and began the home run era. Granted, we've learned it was all b/c of steriods but you get the point. Offense is what brought back fans!
This lockout will cause many fans to shun hockey. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the historic significance of baseball and those fans won't return to cheering for the sport unless there's some major changes. The die-hards will return, but fans like me would not had the NHL not made the new rule changes. Shootouts will energize the crowd b/c we live in an era of offense in sports. Those fans who would have turned away from the sport will come back b/c they want to see something new, different and exciting.
You believe fans will hate the shootout b/c soccer fans hated the shootout. I believe you're wrong b/c soccer is all about defense and boredom. That's why the fans didn't like it. Hockey, on the other hand, is about heart pounding, non-stop thrilling action. A soccer shootout is boring b/c the player stands and kicks a ball. A hockey shootout, however, begins at half ice (I think) and is all about the preparation and anticipation of the move and shot on the goalie. EXCITING!
In conclusion, the shootout is a great idea and if given the shot (no pun intended) it will prove to solve many problems with the NHL, and bring back the fans.
Posted by: Stat Boy at August 2, 2005 12:38 PM