Gary Bettman encouraged to eliminate the shootout by several NHL players

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
August 26, 2024 (12:21)

SHARE THIS STORY

The NHL has been encouraged by some fans for years to eliminate the shootout to decide games, and now players are voicing their desire for change.

There are plenty of divisive topics in the NHL, but perhaps none more than the shootout, as some see it as a very exciting way to end games, while others feel it cheapens wins, and sometimes gives teams undeserved losses which may come back to haunt them. For some time, those opposed to the shootout have made their displeasure known on social media, and now, according to Elliotte Friedman, there are players that aren't big fans of it either.

According to Friedman, Sam Ersson, Tomas Hertl and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, two of whom are goaltenders are against the shootout, revealing when asked that it would be the thing about the NHL that they would change if given the opportunity. While abolishing the shootout has become a hot topic for fans and analysts, it hasn't yet reached Commissioner Gary Bettman, but if a playoff race could potentially be decided by it, we may see some movement in the coming years, with many suggestions as to alternatives already out there.

On the same subject, David Pastrnak proposed an intriguing change, claiming that the league should adopt to one European rule, with the suggestion that winning goal in the shootout should be added to their goal tally. Ultimately, no changes are coming any time soon, but if the NHL gets enough pressure from players and fans, we may see this become more of a discussion in the future.

Source: Oilers Daily
Multiple NHL players call on league to abolish the shootout