Music: {allcanada} NHL boss reiterates support for shootout

Monday, January 30, 2012

{allcanada} NHL boss reiterates support for shootout

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)—The shootout seems here to stay after seven seasons in the NHL.

Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke glowingly about the tiebreaker for regular-season games, saying league research shows fan support of between 70 percent and 80 percent.

Bettman says he's seen a "sensational" reaction from the crowd at each shootout game he's attended over the years.

Hockey purists often complain about using a skills competition to settle the score after 65 minutes of hard work by both teams. Coaches and players are never happy about a shootout loss when their team dominates the game during regulation.

Still, no one seems to like ties and everyone loves a shootout if they win.