Quote:Written Task: What are your thoughts on the using shootouts to end games in the NHL? Do you like it? Would you change it? If so how? Bring back the tie? Infinite 3-on-3 until someone scores? Do you find them exciting or do you groan when OT ends? I'd love to hear your thoughts! (150+ words)

The issue with shootouts isn't that they are a skills competition ending a game. I mean, let's be honest, that's exactly what they are, but that's not the inherent issue with them. The issue is that the ideal way to get a game to end can result in far too much player fatigue, or in worse cases, player injury. The NHL has "solved" this by only using the shootout during the regular season while the postseason is home to the "golden goal" overtime rules. I don't really think there is a surefire way of fixing the shootout without risking significant damage to the longterm health of the players. I know for me, personally, I enjoy the shootout. Sure, it can get stale with the same players using the same moves, but with the recent emergence of players like Zegras and Hughes, I hope this also means that more flash and creativity will return to the shootout.