I wouldn't have a problem with just having ties after OT either. I know I have travelled to other cities to watch a game, seen a tie, and didn't feel like I had missed out on anything.
Part of this goes to the apparent demand that casual fans want to see a winner and a loser. Now you have it, and there is just enough of an incentive for teams to compete in the SO.
It also brings the jump into the game that is sometimes missing towards the end of the 3rd, or even in the OT as teams work towards getting to the shootout. I still recall seeing teams pull the goalie in OT towards the end of the season, because they really needed that extra point.
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