The NHL Shootout

One of the most exciting climaxes in an NHL game is a shootout. The shootout was introduced in the 2005-06 season in effort to decide a winner. In the past, ties are normal in the NHL. However, it usually takes away the excitement factor from the game. Thus, the shootout had to be implemented.

Rules

The shootout consists of three rounds. Teams select three skaters of their choosing. The team with the most shootout goals wins. However, in case of a tie through three rounds, an extra round is added, with additional skaters assigned to each round. Play continues until one team scores and the other misses or is stopped by the goaltender. Shootouts only occur after the game stays tied after a five-minute overtime session. The shootout winner will earn two points in the standings, the loser earns one point. 

What Makes It Great?

Shootouts are penalty shots without any penalties incurred. Shootouts are usually a test between the best goaltender on one team, and the best skaters on the other, and the excitement is more apparent when skaters run up the ice and perform some creative shots to befuddle the opposing goaltender. On the other end, the goalie needs to be at his sharpest, and must anticipate the moves of the opposing skater in an effort to prevent a goal. In essence, a shootout will make a difference between a won and a lost hockey game. 

Limitations

Shootouts occur only during the regular season. In the playoffs, as it has been the case throughout most of modern NHL history, if a game is tied after 60 minutes, a sudden-death 20-minute overtime is added to determine the winner. If the game stays tied after the overtime, additional overtime periods are added until a team scores. Shootouts are also negated during five-minute regular season overtime games in case a team scores in OT.