Several NHL stars call on Gary Bettman to get rid of the league's most controversial rule: the shootout

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Aaron Itovitch
August 26, 2024 (8:37)

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The shootout is one of the most hated rules in the NHL. While almost everybody loves 3 on 3 overtime, ending the game with these one on ones is unpopular.

Per the great Elliotte Friedman, there are calls from several players, including goaltenders Samuel Ersson and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, to get rid of the NHL's shootout rule. The shootout is a regular season decision maker, following a five minute 3 on 3 overtime segment.

Ultimately, many believe the shootout is unfair due to the fact that one on one with no defense, a goaltender is highly vulnerable. Other issues with the shootout include that players are not credited with game winning goals, which is tough in a league where personal statistics are so important (this was brought up by David Pastrnak).

Tried to ask every player if there's one thing they'd want to change about the NHL. Several, especially the younger ones, basically said, «What do I have to complain about? I'm living my dream, and making good money.» Two goalies - Sam Ersson and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - said they'd get rid of the shootout. (Tomas Hertl liked that, too.) If the shootout stays, Pastrnak said the game-winning goal should count to a scorer's individual total as is done in Europe. Hischier likes more European games. Aho and Nino Niederreiter wanted a return to one-versus-eight playoff seeding in each conference.

There are some ardent fans of the shootout - it is incredibly entertaining as a hockey fan, but the concerns with it likely outweigh the positives. Is it time the NHL reconsider the shootout?

Source Sportsnet:
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes

POLL
AOÛT 26 \| 234 ANSWERS Several NHL stars call on Gary Bettman to get rid of the league's most controversial rule: the shootout Do you think Gary Bettman and the NHL should replace the shootout?
Yes	189	80.8 %
No	45	19.2 %
LIST OF POLLS

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