Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots March 2nd Edition

Friday, March 02, 2007 03:42 AM

If a hockey team loses a game, regardless of whether it is in regulation time, overtime or the shootout, there should be no reward.

This is not the case in leagues like the NHL and the WHL. In fact, a win (regulation, overtime, and shootout) is worth two points and an overtime loss or shootout loss is worth one. It is unfortunate that this system is in place now and in the foreseeable future.

The NHL General Managers lack common sense, especially when they recently rejected the idea of awarding teams three points for a victory in 60 minutes. Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke said the proposal did not have any support "because it’s a terrible idea."

But is it? Under the new proposed system a win in regulation time is worth three points, a win in overtime or the shootout is worth two points and an overtime or shootout loss is worth one point. The new system places a greater emphasis on winning in 60 minutes, and not extra time or hockey’s greatest gimmick, the shootout.

This idea could have taken a while to get used to, but over the long haul, fans would see more exciting games. Currently, too many games are now decided in overtime or the shootout which begs the following question: why should a team get just as rewarded for winning in OT or a skills competition (shootout) compared to a team that wins a game in regulation time?

Unlike past years, the third period of games lack excitement. Under the current system, in a tie game, the two teams have a mutual understanding of playing cautious and getting the match into extra time, so both teams can benefit with a guaranteed point. Perhaps, this philosophy would change if the
3-2-1 system was implemented.

As well, if greater emphasis is placed on winning in 60 minutes, and not 65 or beyond, the real benefactor would be the higher skilled teams and ultimately the fans. Yet, the NHL’s director of hockey operations, Colin Campbell, stated "It’s time to establish continuity, you can’t keep making changes. Let’s not confuse the fans." New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello agrees with Campbell by saying, "It’s a good game, let’s enjoy it."

The NHL has few fans remaining in the U.S. A number of reasons attribute to limited interest south of the border including: the "NEW" era; lack of foresight and unnecessary rule changes resulting in no continuity; and lack of respect for the fans. Give the spectators some credit, they aren’t stupid and within a short period of time they would understand the new format for awarding points.

It’s too bad that a rare good idea to improve regular season hockey has been rejected. After all, the 3-2-1 concept simply made too much sense, and logic in the game is something that left the arena years ago.

From the quote rack:

"USC goalie Mickey Meyer was ejected from the (hockey) game and ticketed for lewdness after he dropped his pants, mooning the referees and fans during a game against BYU. He also was penalized for butt-ending"

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California -

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"Major League Baseball players are wearing a redesigned cap for the first time since 1954. The traditional wool cap will be replaced this season by a polyester blend model that will reduce sweating and cost $5 more for fans to purchase. Hats are available in small, medium, large, extra large, XXL and Barry Bonds."

Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix

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"Good news for the (Cincinnati) Bengals: He’s a free agent."

Headline at fark.com, on the DUI arrest of Dominic Rhodes of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.

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"I think it’s good for the NBA. Every gay player cuts the number of illegitimate children by five."
NBC’s Jay Leno on gay players in the National Basketball Association.

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"The NBA All-Star Game was in Las Vegas …and there were over 300 related arrests that ranged from outstanding warrants, battery, burglary and disorderly conduct. City officials said, ’We can’t have this kind of lawless behavior disrupting our city’s gamblers pimps, and prostitutes.’"

NBC’s Conan O’Brien.

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