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Traffic accidents of
hockey
Shootout is shooting down the Sharks' playoff
hopes
1/4/06 - By Paul Krill
Let's see a show of hands: Who doesn't pause to observe the
remnants of a traffic accident on the highway? Anybody? Didn't think so. The
NHL this year has added a new feature to the game that to me is like gawking at
a traffic accident: you know it's not really in good taste, but you can't help
but watch anyway.
What I'm referring to, of course, is the shootout. It showcases only a minimal
amount of the skills required to play in the league, but it is unfortunately
becoming a critical part of the game. Just a single goalie and a single
shooter. Who needs teamwork when fans will pay to see this? Maybe next season,
the league can add a duke out - each team sends its goon to center ice and
whoever hits the ice first, his team loses the game. After all, who doesn't
like to watch a hockey fight?
Me, I hated the shootout before the season and hate it even more now. I agreed
with one hockey insider who asked how much fans will like the shootout when the
home team starts losing them.
Well, our Sharks have been on the losing end of these spectacles most of the
time. The shootout may be the deciding factor in Shark fans and players sitting
home during the playoffs instead of heading to the arena.
But yes, I can't help but watch the shootout, either. Still, I think the game
should be a team endeavor and not decided by this sideshow.
What exactly was wrong with games ending in a tie, anyway?
…Penalty Shots:
A proposal mentioned in The Hockey News would resume having all teams play each
other every season. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this proposal becomes
reality, unless you really don't care to see any of the marquee teams and
players from the Eastern Conference.
…The ice at the Sharks' arena has long been criticized as unsatisfactory.
But during the season ticket holder skate last week, I thought the ice was
fine. I'm certainly no expert on ice quality, but I know what slush is and I
didn't find the ice to be slush at all. FWIW, a few laps around the arena ice
made me wonder how players can skate several hours a night for 90 nights a year
and still have functioning ankles.
Ouch…I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's looking more and more
like the Sharks will not make the playoffs this season. They currently are
ranked 12th in the conference and have been unable to gain on anyone since the
Joe Thornton trade. If the Sharks do miss the playoffs, a minimum of nearly
three years must pass between NHL playoff games in San Jose (May 2004 to April
2007, presuming the team can qualify next season.). Kind of sad, isn't it?
Contact Paul at at pjkrillsharks@yahoo.com
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