Well, they have their ups and downs. For one, I think if an overtime period is not going too well and it's boring the shootout is definitely much more exciting. And this is usually the case. On the contrary, tonight was an excellent example of when it would have been better to play more OT, because this was the best OT I've seen in a long time. The only really negative that some people could say is that the teams might play more conservative in OT if they know they have a few snipers for the shootout, and it isn't their last chance to win the game. But basically, the shootouts are in place only if the teams do not settle it in OT, and who's to say a tie is more exciting!

They won't use them in the playoffs, I'm sure, but my biggest fault is the 3 shooters. It would be more exciting if it were 5, and I have a feeling that's not too far away. It's been suggested by so many people, so I'm sure the NHL will adapt it in the near future.