Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Not sure why so many whine about the shootout. It's been part of international hockey forever and just because it doesn't suit what us North Americans prefer doesn't make it a stupid way to end a hockey game as it's what the rest of the world uses. At the end of the day the rules are the same for everyone and Canada lost. Excuses are for losers unless I am preaching to Canucks fans here then it's par for the course.
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The shootout isn't that old. It was only introduced in the 90s in international hockey. 1992 I believe. Canada-Germany Quarterfinal in Albertville might be the first hockey shootout ever, I'd have to double check that.
Before that there were no elimination games, the tournament was either a big round robin group with the winner getting gold or qualifiers advancing into a smaller final round group. I remember attending the 88 Olympics in the last game where Finland beat the Soviets in the final game to win Silver!
Canada Cups always had regular 5-on-5 unlimited overtime.
It's a stupid way to end a hockey game because it is unnecessary. Hockey games can go longer, it's been proven in the NHL playoffs. In fact most people prefer it and they are usually cheering for a longer overtime in a game between neutral teams. Everyone feels cheated after a shootout.
Shootouts only work in soccer because in the past the alternative was to replay the entire game 3 days later which was more stupid. Soccer cannot go any longer so they must solve it by a shootout. Everyone hates it but there is no other alternative.
Soccer has a shootout due to it being a necessary evil. Hockey has a shootout by choice.