Nobody is arguing about blaming the loss of the game to the NHL because of the shootout, what people are saying there shouldn't be a shootout period. There should OT until the game is decided. I wouldn't be opposed to say; 1OT: 5 on 5. 2OT: 4 on 4. 3OT: 3 on 3 (or people prefer, play the 4 on 4 from the start of the first OT to the end of the game) And you play the 3 on 3 till the game is decided. A gimmick should never determine the outcome of the game. (and yes they should also goes toward futbol) Football games are not decided by a field goal kciking contest. Basketball games are not decided by 3 point shooting contest, or dunking contest. Baseball games are not decided by homerun. Hockey should not be decided by a shootout. It's stupid, and I am pretty sure if the NHL survey the players about how should the game be decided, I am confident that the majority of players in the NHL would say OT till the game is decided. i would guarantee that the players would not vote for OT until the game is decided in the regular season (unless it was presented as the only alternative to shootouts, which is dumb).