Shootouts: All this time and still stupid

http://gty.im/468141452

Ignoring the fact that deciding games based on an event that has almost no repeatable skill value, the biggest issue with the shootout is their point reward situation. The worst part is, there is an incredibly easy way to fix it, and it never gets fixed. Just make all the games worth 3 points. Regulation/overtime wins are worth 3, shootouts still keep their same 2-1 values and losses are still worth 0 in regulation or overtime. All games are worth the same, and there is extra incentive to win in regulation, which there is not now. because everyone gets points, and a shootout win, which is generally a 50/50 proposition, is worth as much as a regulation win.

So it’s that simple. Make all games worth the same by punishing teams for relying on the shootout to get a victory. If we are intent on not letting any game end in a tie, and the shootout is here to stay, make sure regulation hockey, the actual game, is what the standings are really based on, and not a skill contest at the end of the game. If you are going to have something as stupid as a shootout, then try not to make the whole process as stupid as possible.

Or, you know, bing back the tie