Hopefully the NHL likes what the PWHL are doing and move to the 3 for a win, 2 for an OT or shootout win, 1 for OT/SO loss, or 0 for regular loss point system
I’m not much of a hockey spectator, I like a shootout because of the variety/novelty, but I also understand its not the best way to identify the “better” team (whatever that means).
This points system makes sense to me, it incentivizes playing right until the buzzer.
For me, it’s the “oh here’s an extra point” that doesn’t make sense. Soccer allows draws, but a point gets “lost”, 3 for a win, 1 each for a draw. I’d prefer that personally, but this is a good balance.
If they do that, they need to introduce rules to stop teams from continuously skating the puck back into their own zone. I’d rather watch a shootout than 7 minutes of the LA kings trying to keep the puck away from Connor McDavid.
If we’re talking about 7 minutes, why not ten? And if we’re talking about half a period, why not just make it a full period?
Or just go back to the old system of 2 points per game. Winner takes 2 or a tie splits them.
If you bring back the tie you can expect a lot of teams to start playing trap defence. There is a reason it was called the “dead puck era”.
I’m all for this. The OT and the point system is dumb for giving a point just for making it past 60 min - a win is a win is a win and only should be awarded points for winning.
I realize the shootout is a skills competition, essentially, but whether it’s a win via a skills competition or a rogue breakaway then it’s a win regardless. Split the tie because you couldn’t win in regulation and then lose OT all together except for playoffs and Cup finals where there HAS to be a winner.
I personally prefer the shootout to the tie. But I would like every game to be worth 3 points instead of some games being worth 2 and a third point magically appearing if you go to OT.
I like the shootout, I think it gives players some spotlight time to be creative and make some highlight moves.
