Voice about a rule change has begun to rise in the NHL, and that would be a big change
The NHL shootout has always been a divisive method to conclude games, and recently, several players have voiced their desire to see it abolished.
During the European Media Tour, Elliotte Friedman asked players what changes they'd make to the NHL. Sam Ersson, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Tomas Hertl wished to eliminate the shootout. David Pastrnak added that shootout goals should count toward individual statistics.
Many hockey purists view the shootout as an unfair way to settle a game, reducing the team sport to a mere individual skill competition. Notably, two goaltenders also advocated for its removal, as they bear the brunt of the consequences in a shootout loss.
While the NHL relies on shootouts to ensure games end within a set timeframe for television, there's growing speculation that Gary Bettman might reconsider this approach when the next CBA negotiations occur in 2025-26.
Source: Sportsnet
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes
| POLL | ||
Do you think Gary Bettman should change the shootout rule for overtime? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 62.5 % |
| No | 18 | 37.5 % |
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