vinism

One of the nice things about the NHL package is I'm not stuck watching the Bruins on a nightly basis. Last night, I took in two games -- Columbus vs. Detroit and Ottawa vs. Montreal -- that both ended in shootouts. And I was a happy camper. I love shootouts. The strategy, pressure and excitement that they generate is unbelievable. Players on all teams were standing on the bench. The crowds were on their feet and roaring. And not a soul had left the barns. What great atmospheres. Detroit hadn't played a shootout all season, so it was interesting to see who they sent out (Datsyuk, Williams and Zetterberg). Datsyuk and Williams scored. And Osgood stoned former Wing Sergei Fedorov to seal the victory as the Joe roared its approval. In the other game, Kovalev just pantsed (technical term) Hasek to seal Montreal's victory. For those of you still on the fence about shootouts, consider the fact that while I was at a D.C. area sports bar a month ago, the entire bar stopped watching Monday Night Football so they could see an out of town shootout. Everyone one was cheering and hollering. It was great. We can only hope that the NHL appreciates what they have and that the shootout is here to stay.