Drew in Toronto, Ontario asks…
Rothy, what do you think is the best way to shorten playoff overtime games? 4 on 4? Shootouts?
Answer: Calling more penalties
Deciding postseason contests with gimmicks, like four-on-four or shootouts, is not an appealing proposal. It strays too far from tradition. Changing the dynamic of a match (four-on-four) or individual skills competitions are not suitable ways to end such meaningful tilts.
Put simply, the game should not be altered based on the situation. And, that connotes doing away with the idiotic disregard for the rules.
In the 47:06-minute overtime between the Penguins and Senators, there were only three power plays after regulation time. One of the penalties was delay of game for shooting the puck over the glass; the call was more obvious than the color of the blue line. So, the referees (aside from coincidental minors), essentially, penalized two players. At least five additional minors could have been assessed.
Referees are far too hesitant to call penalties during extra periods, which compromises the legitimacy of the game. “Letting them play” is not a mindset that should be applauded. If the National Hockey League were serious about avoiding dreadful six- period games, it would instruct its officials to call penalties on any infraction.
Clearly, this would, on average, shorten postseason extra-frames.
