Tocchet doesn't like the shootout

I report this only because I now feel a lot better about my rant a few weeks back about how the shootout is a gimmick, a terrible way to decide a game and a disservice to the players who have knocked themselves out for 65 minutes.

"I know the people who don't know hockey that well, they sit in the stands and they love it," Tocchet said. "We're a sport that needs people to come and we have to market it. That part, yeah. But as an old, traditional guy, I don't like that part of it. But I understand the marketing part of it. It's an entertainment business."

It also is an aspect of the game at which the Lightning needs to be better. It is 1-4 this season. So the team had a breakaway contest at practice today. Out of 19 skaters (Gary Roberts sat out with an upper body injury), only Jussi Jokinen, Radim Vrbata, Marty St. Louis and Andrej Meszaros scored in the first round.

I thought Tocchet's take on how players view shootouts also was instructive and adds to the incredible weight on the side of shootouts being a terrible gimmick.

"I know when I had a breakaway or a penalty shot years ago, you're nervous," Tocchet said. "I don't think guys are nervous now. I'd like to create some kind of urgency 'We have to win this game.' It's now like guys aren't trying. But it's like, 'It's a shootout.' I don't think there's that overtime feel that if I screw up we're going to lose two points. There's not that urgency."

Asked if that was because a shootout really isn't part of the game, Tocchet said, yes.

"It's weird," he said. "I've seen coaches joking, 'Who do we put out?' like it's a fun thing. So we need to create that urgency."

One method he mentioned: in practice, if you don't score, you skate.

Tocchet said he might try Vrbata in the shootout rotation to replace one of the three who have been staples: Vinny Lecavalier, St. Louis and Jokinen.

"You want to give the proper guys the ball, but there's got to be a time when you say, 'Okay guys, sorry, we have to get some fresh blood in there.' "

Other stuff: Looks like left wing Ryan Malone will play tomorrow against the Predators. ... Evgeny Artyukhin will play left wing with Lecavalier and St. Louis. ... Rookie Steven Stamkos will start at center between Vrbata and Vinny Prospal. Stamkos played so well with Vinny and Marty Tuesday against the Panthers, seemed a bit curious. But Stamkos also played some with Prospal and Vrbata and Tocchet said showed a lot of jump. Generally, though, the changes are Tocchet still trying to find permanent lines. As for Artyukhin, Tocchet said Arty's starts have been slow and wants to put him with linemates who play a fast game to get him involved sooner.

Comments

[MANAVIS]

I don't like the Shoot-out its nothing more than a cheap gimmick to recruit non-fans, who may have the potential to be fans. If you speak to most of the players they'll tell you it places too much on luck and not enough on skill. I believe the reason Rick Toccket doesn't like it is because he lost the other night after out playing the Panthers. He made a poor decision in not letting Jokkinen shoot in the first three rounds.

[Badbud]

As bad as they have been with shootouts I would hate them also. they are bad on both ends of the shootout,they would stand a better chance with coin flip or even rock ,paper, scissors

[hockeytalkie]

i totally agree hyiy...

shootout is about individuals, not the team. yes certain players stand out in any given game, but it's not like anyone other than GK is out there for 60 minutes.

imagine an nba game going to a 3 pt shootout or dunk contest after OT. or after last week's nfl tie, have the QBs come out and throw a ball through a tire swing.

or a soccer game going to penalty kicks... errr, nevermind :-)

[hyjyljyj]

"I thought Tocchet's take on how players view shootouts also was instructive and adds to the incredible weight on the side of shootouts being a terrible gimmick."

Really well said, Damian.

Shootouts are like, "OK boys, tie game...way to battle it out, working together, man what great teamwork...now get the hell off the ice. Here's how we'll pick a winner: HOLLYWOOD style! No, really--we make the game about INDIVIDUAL STARS, like in Hollywood, OK, taking turns in the spotlight, you know, gettin' all fancy-dancy in the pantsy, takin' free pot-shots on goal, hotdoggin' it with the puck like crazy for the kids! Huh? Huh?? Yee-haw! No teams! No really, I'm serious. They do it in, like, Europe & stuff. Skate in backwards, hold the stick behind your neck like Hendrix at Monterey or somethin'...sounds cool, right? It's Hollywood! Instead of the top hat & cane, it's the stick & puck! Kids'll love it! No it won't make actual penalty shots seem commonplace, don't be silly. There's NO business like SHOW business like NO business we KNOW..."

[Da Boltz]

I have always thought the shootout should go an go 4-4 for at least another period. Shootouts are dull and it takes luck to get the puck past the goalies.

[HockeyBay.com]

Shootouts are the Worst! Ever since Bolts won Cup in 2004, The NHL have implemented so many new sad rules, like shootouts! ( Along with barely touching a player with a stick and getting a penalty ) Gary Bettman must go!

[Nan]

I have never liked the shootout. i think the players view it as a crap shoot. It can go either way for either team. Not a way to decide a game after 65 minutes of team play. I would rather see another 5 minute period at least before the shoot out. Maybe they could skate 3 on 3 for the second 5 minute OT.

[Marv]

First, thanks for now having to sign in to make comments. Hope it stops "the stuff".

Agree with DC on shoot outs. Would rather see time go to 10 minutes and if no winners, get one point each.

That said, with the importance of points and shoot outs, why is there not more emphasis and preparation for them? Guess there is now.

While it has been a while since I was a goalie, I would much prefer someone taking their time and trying to fake me out, versus coming on the fly and blasting one 10-15 feet out for the top shelf. You just don't have as much time to react.
Marv

[boltcc]

I don't like the shootouts either. I think the team had one of the best records in shootouts since they started it.But is it better than a tie where the players are coasting for 5 minutes hoping not to lose?