Whether or not you're a fan of the shootout, last nights game against the Caps and Panthers was chalk full of drama and a little excitement, but mostly disappointment (if you're a Caps fan)
In an NHL record 20 rounds, the Panthers beat the Caps 2-1 on a goal by Nick Bjugstad. Bjugstad dangled around Holtby, who flinched on the first deke and never recovered as Bjugstad roofed the puck for the 6th goal for the Panthers in the SO.
The two teams set another record for most goals in a shootout with 11.
For the most part, the game was dull. Both teams were had a combined 98 hits, but that stat might have been a little top heavy.
Brouwer scored for the Caps on the power play.
Holtby and Luongo played very well in the first 65-min and both held their own in the SO, however Holtby could not clinch the win as the Panthers shooters had an answer for every Washington goal.
Holtby stopped 28-29 shots on goal, and Luongo was 23-24.
While the shootout did prove to be a little exciting, it was overkill. It sucks to have to lose a game based on a skills competition (and I'm not just saying that because the Caps lost). I'm just not a fan of the shootout anymore.
The best team doesn't always win in these circumstances. A more unskilled team could battle for 65 min. and then lose in a SO to the skilled team that didn't deserve a win (not that there's anything new about this argument, but it always bothered me).
Maybe it's time to bring back ties, or perhaps the NHL should go with a 10-min OT or 3-3, and give the teams more of an opportunity to win as a team.
The Caps didn't necessarily deserve better than they did last night. They played well, at times, but the game had a lot of lulls. Washington seems to lose their spunk too much during games, and they can't re-energize themselves quickly enough to get back into it. They had their chances last night, but they seem to be forcing the puck instead of making smart plays (like Mike Green coughing up the puck that lead to Florida's goal).
Florida battled their way through the game and deserved the win. I guess sometimes shootouts do work in favor of the right team.
What do you guys think? Are you in favor of the shootout? What other options should the NHL use/try?
More to come...