The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Calgary Flames in an eight round shootout masterpiece. For those out there that can't stand the idea of deciding the outcome of a hockey game on a gimmick, you have obviously never witnessed a shootout like this.
The Ducks and Flames are battling for their playoff lives. The game had an almost playoff like atmosphere. It was obvious how badly both teams wanted that extra point. You could figuratively cut the tension with a knife. Each shot, each save and each goal more intense than the next. Drama nearly as gut wrenching as any overtime, playoffs included, that I have ever seen. It was definitely a fitting way to end a fiercely competitive game and I enjoyed it.
Too bad I'm among the minority. Since it's implementation in 2005-06, the shootout has been the subject of countless debates on both message boards and social media outlets alike. But debates aside, nothing matches the tension, anticipation and thrill of a shootout.
The NHL needs goals. Scoring has steadily declined since its glory days of the 1980s, similar to baseball's infamous "dead ball" era. But unlike baseball, hockey didn't need steroids to bring scoring back. The shootout returns goal-scoring to its rightful place at the center of the game.
Bottom line, the shootout is fun. It may not be for the traditional hockey fan, but professional sports live and die on the casual fans dollar. The shootout is fast, exciting, delivers immediate results and is easy for casual fans to follow. Considering the price of an NHL ticket these days, fans deserve great entertainment, and the shootout serves it's purpose well.
....
Tonight...
Carolina Hurricanes (20-25-9) vs Anaheim Ducks (20-24-8)
* Cam Ward will be in net for Carolina. Ward has given up two goals or fewer in five of his last seven starts. It will be his 12th consecutive start.
* Ward is 2-0-0 with a 2.14 GAA in three starts against the Ducks.
* The Ducks host the Carolina Hurricanes. It is the last home game before a season high eight game road trip.
* Anaheim is 10-2-2 in the last 14.
* The Canes are last in the Eastern Conference and are looking to win their third game in row for the first time since October.
* Jonas Hiller is 8-2-2 with a 1.93 goals-against average in his last 13 starts.
* Teemu Selanne is two points shy of passing Brett Hull for 21st all-time with 1,392
* The Ducks are 10 games out a playoff spot. Can you believe a win tonight puts that back into a single digit point deficit?
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