My take: I thought I would hate the shootout idea, and my initial inclination was that it would alter the game for the worse, but I have to admit, I can't fight my reason. If I see a shootout on tv, the Sabres or anyone else, I have to watch.
There is something hierarchical about the whole affair that is compelling. The coach must choose who he thinks are his 3 offensive studs, and that can change from night to night. Also, it is a display of individual talent. I watch Vanek in the shootout and you have to nod your head and say, boy, we may really have something here. Anyway, I have to watch.
Previously the strategy was always to play for a tie on the road. Now you can play for OT, get the point, and still play for the win. From a spectators point of view it is much better. Playoff hockey was always the exception because you could never play for the tie in the playoffs.
Either way, I am hooked. If there is a shootout, I can't look away. Whatever the purist in me says, my eyes betray me.
The shootout is hockey's softcore pornography and even though something in me says it's bad, I want to peek.