I think it will eventually. I am sure they will always have at least one full OT period though. Maybe another 5 min 4 on 4 then a shootout. I think there will be some fluke year with 3 or more triple OT games and TV will demand that they do something. Shootouts in the playoffs would ruin one of the coolest things about playoff hockey. I'd have a hard time watching non-Blackhawks games at that point. I don't disagree, I am just saying that once they allowed them in the regular season it would just be a matter of time. I understand TVs position, I just think it would suck. I also think a lot of teams would rather gamble with a shootout than a triple OT game. I think you're way off on this. It makes sense during the regular season to not have games going forever, but during the playoffs, extra overtimes draw more eyeballs. I'm sure the networks love it.