Aleksander Barkov: A One-Man Argument for Keeping the Shootout
The NHL Has a Lot of Differing Opinions Regarding the Final Overtime Round That is the NHL Shootout. While Some May Call it 'Boring' and the Wrong Way to Call a Draw But One Thing is For Sure, Aleksander Barkov Has a Way of Being a Pro for the Shootout.
For good reason, there has been a lot of chatter around the media about eliminating the shootout from the NHL. It's boring. It's a cheap way to win or lose. Teams will sit back in late game or overtime situations in order to ensure a point and the possibility of two in a non-contact, non-game scenario.
With that scenario in play on any given night, a team that struggles to win in a bad conference — like the 8th place Detroit Red Wings in the Atlantic Division — can go seven for seven in games that head to a shootout. Meanwhile, a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, the Washington Capitals, can go one for six.
There are so many intelligent, valid arguments for eliminating the shootout and just playing overtime until a team scores. However, one skater in the NHL poses a counterargument in favor of the shootout, and his name is Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers.
A Shootout Pro
Barkov, the Panthers' top-line center, is no slouch in even strength play, with ability to be a source of instant offense with quick skating and deft stick-handling. He gets it done on the scoreboard, as well. In his 48 games this season, he has 16 goals, 23 assists and his importance goes well beyond the basic statistics. From a puck possession standpoint, he's an extremely integral player for Florida. His Corsi For percentage for the season sits at 55.7%.
Simply put, the 21-year old can play hockey at an elite level and it's fun to watch him do so. What really stands out is is how he uses his quick feet and stick-handling in shootout scenarios. He's the best in the league and you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who disagrees. This season, Barkov is six of nine in shootout attempts (66.7%) and sits atop the league in shootout percentage.
For his entire career, he is 14 of 28, or 50%. For his entire career, he scores one out of every two shootout attempts and many of them have been mind-blowing. Seriously, he's even got the vintage Peter Forsberg one-hander in his arsenal, which most guys can't pull of these days.
He has eye-popping puck control near the crease, and can deke goaltenders right until the last possible second before sneaking the puck past the pads. He can go five-hole, top shelf, or just slide in into an open net a la the aforementioned Forsberg.
It All Comes Down to a Shootout
If the NHL was to eliminate the shootout, there would certainly be many happy fans. There would probably some happy players and coaches also. Therefore, there are multiple valid arguments that show that it is time for the shootout to go the way of the dinosaurs.
Would the NHL gain a few more exciting third periods and overtimes? Very likely, yes.
What the league would lose out on, however, is entertainment provided by the skill of a shootout artist like Barkov. I, for one, would be sad to see it go as long as there are skaters like him that take it seriously and have the moves to make it fun.
Now, if something really needs to go to better the professional game of hockey and make close games more exciting, it might be time to dive back into the "loser point" discussion.
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