This isn't a lament because the Red Wings, and in particular goalie Jimmy Howard, have struggled so much in the shootout.
When it first came into the play in the NHL during the mid-2000s, I was a big advocate of the shootout.
And, no, I don't want it to go away completely.

But it has become stale, and I do wish the NHL would adjust what they are doing with overtime hockey. This is my 3-point plan:
1. Give the team winning in regulation three points, the team winning in overtime and/or a shootout two points and one point for an overtime or shootout loss. Too often teams play with little desperation at the end of regulation time and settle for a point, especially on the road. Regular season wins should be like gold.
2. Have overtime begin 4-on-4. After five minutes go to 3-on-3.
3. After 10 minutes of overtime play, go to the shootout. It would be a rare occasion overtime would get that far still tied 4-on-4 followed by 3-on-3. It would therefore bring back the unique aspect of the shootout, which is rapidly getting a bad name.


My column. Why the Tom Brady Rule still applies in the NFL - and that's good for Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150223/pat-caputo-tom-brady-rule-still-applies-and-thats-good-for-matthew-stafford-detroit-lions

My column. Finally, after years of ineptitude, Detroit Pistons have direction under Stan Van Gundy: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150222/pat-caputo-after-years-of-ineptitude-detroit-pistons-have-direction-under-stan-van-gundy

My column. Starting pitching, as much as bullpen, issue for Detroit Tigers: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150221/pat-caputo-starting-pitching-as-much-as-bullpen-issue-for-detroit-tigers