In an attempt to eliminate the hated tie from their system, the NHL introduced the shootout to settle games last year to amazing success. The shootout was a hit with fans, both in the stands and on television. But when a team loses, either in a shootout or in overtime, they receive a point.
A point for losing a game. Only in the NHL.
What this has created is a system where teams, especially in the stretch drive, play just to get to overtime so that the single point is guaranteed. This takes away from the excitement that fans are demanding, and more importantly, from the competition that sport is designed for.
Because of this, teams that lose in extra time end up with more points at the end of the season than some teams that have more wins. For example, there is a 5 point differential from the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks this year, but San Jose has one more win. The Ducks lead the division, though, because of their 8 overtime/shootout losses.
I am completely in favour of the shootout, but the team that loses should not receive a point for failing to win a game. This will keep teams from dumping and chasing in the third period in order to get the sure point, and it will also ensure that teams who win games are seeded higher than teams who lose in overtime.
It's time for the league to stop rewarding teams for losing with the "loser point". It's time for a change.
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