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GM’s Recommend A Solution To Reduce NHL Shootout Games

By William Grigsby

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NHL GM’s Want To Reduce Shootout Games… Could This Mean 3-on-3 ?

On Tuesday, March 17th, the NHL general managers met in Boca Raton, Florida to discuss the possibility of various rule changes submitted by the GM’s in attendance. The biggest rule change getting attention is how to reduce (not eliminate) games ending in shootouts. The charm of the shootout has worn off, and many serious fans of the game want the game ended by a competition, not a skills contest. Save that for the annual All-Star Game extravaganza.

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"“The consensus in the room, overwhelmingly, is we’re not getting rid of the shootout. It was, how do you reduce the number of games that go to the shootout, keep the shootout special?” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said."

There were two solutions being considered. One would have the overtime start with a 3-on-3 format for five minutes, unless a goal is scored, before going to the shootout.

The other choice would be modeled after the American Hockey League’s method they have instituted this season, with considerable success. They play 4-on-4 for the first three minutes of a seven minute overtime, and then go to 3-on-3 competition after the first whistle past the three-minute point. This format may confuse new fans to the game, and frankly changing rules often does that to some fans. When I attend a game, it’s fascinating overhearing conversation uneducated fans make because they are ignorant of the actual rules.

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    • The American Hockey League has reduced total shootouts by 10 percent and 40 percent for games that go to overtime. Through Saturday, just 51 of 912 AHL games (5.6 percent) have gone to a shootout. It’s difficult to argue with those numbers. I think fans will like the open ice created by a 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 scenario. It certainly will allow teams to put their star players out there to end the game as it should be ended… by playing it, and not having a skills contest.

    "“We’re going to look at both variables and figure out which one, collletively with the Competition Committee, we think makes the most sense. And then, ultimately, it’s subject to the Board of Governor approval,” Commissioner Bettman said."

    Now, I can tell you I’ve voiced my opinion on this in a previous post.. the shootout is getting boring, and what I dislike is the players scoring in the shootout, or the goalies attempting to stop the shootout scoring are NOT reflected in the statistics during the shootout competition. Just for that reason alone, the NHLPA should like this new proposed rule. With less shootout games being played it will add to their statistics, and that would increase a player’s bargaining to get a better contract, and we all know players love a BIG contract.

    The Arizona Coyotes General Manager, Don Maloney voiced in his opinion on the shootout rules proposal.

    "“Everybody that’s seen it at the American Hockey League has raved about it,” Arizona Coyotes GM Don Maloney said last month. “It’s pretty amazing. My biggest beef, I don’t want the games to be any longer.”"

    Now, Maloney may have a point about extending the games a bit, but I doubt that fans or players will beef about it. I think the games will end more swiftly with so much open ice created, and the need for a shootout will not happen as much. Then, when a shootout does occur it will be more special for the fans than what it is presently.

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