They Shoot Hockey Pucks, Don't They?

Of all the new rules introduced into hockey, I believe that one above all else ruined hockey. Sure, there were plenty of debatably shitty rules added to Hockey this season and what the hell, maybe even some that made the game better, but none of this matters because the game is officially ruined. I have displayed patience, above all else, with the new rules, many that I thought were foolhardy have actually grown on me, but I will never forgive the introduction of the shootout. I have tried to love it like a child, but the suffering it is causing the game, this child needs to be mercy killed.


Essentially it destroys the game in the way that it removes much of the variability that sports strives to create. Essentially a good sport has defined rules and infinte variability, this variabilty creates ever evolving stratagies and outcomes. This game will both be dynamic and familiar at the same time creating an entertainig and exciting sport. However, the introduction of the shootout has destroyed this. Instead of the game having millions of variables, the outcome is dependent on basically the skill of the goalie and the skill of the shooters. It oversimplifies the game and instead of creating a climactic end, it creates a strategic power vacuum for teams to only choose strong shooters and goalies. Ruining the immense variabilty and assoicated excitment.