Lemme say up front that I hate shootouts without reservation.
But if they really want to sell the product (to paraphrase
Tom Lehrer), I have a modest proposal loosely related to FIFA's
anticipated resolution of the situation in their sport.
 
As many of you know, FIFA is leaning towards replacing the
shootout with corner kicks, the idea being to answer some of the
criticisms so ably detailed on this list.  It's a more "natural"
siutation, involves more players, yadda yadda ya.  I think
the general justification is similar to voting Democratic: it's a
horrible prospect until you consider the alternative.
 
Anyway, we could do something similar in hockey; indeed, in one
forum it's already done quite well.  Everybody out there within
the broadcast net of TV-38 Boston has seen Mini One-on-One.
Two small teams (6 - 8 players) of the local talent take turns
with penalty shots, 2-on-1's, and 3-on-2's.  It's actually quite
entertaining (especially when the 10-year-olds go at it), and it
lasts a definite amount of time, which means TV likes it, and
what's good for TV is good for America (repeat mantra as
necessary).
 
So take your pick: odd man rushes; minute long powerplay
situations; whatever you want.  We can easily do better
than penalty shots, and we should.
 
Greg
Malden
Let's Go Red!