Not everybody likes endless overtime. After a marathon Stanley Cup game there's always someone moaning that it takes too long.
Those folks say the NHL should solve its overtime "problem" by taking shortcuts. Like maybe a shootout.
If you hate drama, tension, great saves and unexpected heroes, truncated overtime is a great idea. But as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings demonstrated on Monday, it's a dumb idea for anyone who loves hockey.
For those who turned in early (before 12:45 am Eastern), the photo explains how game five of the Stanley Cup Final turned out. The Penguins remain on life support, at least until Wednesday.
The Red Wings put on another men-against-boys performance, and victory looked inevitable. But when the other goalie makes 55 saves, you're probably going to lose.
It took all those saves, a power play and a convenient bounce off a referee's butt before Petr Sykora scored the 4-3 winner for Pittsburgh at 49:50 of overtime. That doesn't make for good hockey fan productivity on Tuesday, but it was a lot of fun to watch.
When the World Series is decided by a home run contest and a tied Super Bowl is settled by having the quarterbacks throw the ball through a spare tire, it will be time to consider shootouts in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Until then, there's a perfectly adequate option for those who don't like lengthy overtimes: Go to bed.
(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Comments
Thank you, thank you…I agree. To the crazy lady moaning about the game lasting too long, I have only one question…”Have you every played yourself?” I assume not. Let the players get their IV fluids, whatever it takes. Of course they’re fatigued! If you’ve been out on the ice playing yourself, you appreciate their skill and stamina. At 37, I just started playing in a women’s league a few months ago and I’m hooked! I love to watch the games and play as much as possible! As far as the playoff’s, I’m rooting for whichever team (Penguins) will keep the playoffs going longer!
love your football & baseball analogies for determining their champions!
i hope the current setup never changes in hockey. those epic games are part of the sport’s attraction.