Also, keep in mind this recent 4th OT game was the sixth longest NHL game ever. There is no way they occur often enough to make fans 'bored' or something dumb like that.
You talk like that was one off game. 6th longest ever yes, probably 4 of those 5 other games happened within the last 10 years too. And thats only when you go as far as counting the extremes, it is sad enough there has actually been 5 games that were even longer than that one. That is not counting the numerous 3 OT games that happened recently that are also pretty damn bad.
seriously, do bar that theres-no-way-they-occur-often-enough because it really did happen a shitload in recent years. They definitely happen too much to be a problem right now in my opinion. I swear these days, easily half the games that go in OT will need at least 2 periods of them.
I didnt cry over the fact I had to go to bed eventually and missed the end of that match... and fans getting tired and leaving the arena is maybe only a small issue.. I think the biggest one is to actually try to secure TV deals for a sport that has all the troubles in the world to. What is the excuse you can give when games end up lasting 5 hours instead of 3 and when it happens frequently.
As for shootouts ruining the team element, yeah thats the actual reason shootouts wont ever be accepeted in hockey during the playoffs and I do agree it certainly sort of does. If someone could come up with a better way to end overtime marathons without shootouts, that would be fantastic.
Its a team sport yes, but when a goal is scored in 4 OT against your team and you are on the bench at that moment, I assume you feel as powerless about it as you are watching the shootouts.
I'm saying the problem is actually big enough to warrant doing something about it, even if the cost is taking out a part of the team element of hockey.
also. Shootouts should also have 5 shooters, never understood why they use 3 during the season.
on a side note, penguins sure made a fantastic return tonight! :D I assumed the Sens would roll all over them after watching the 1st match.