I was reading on www.letsgokings.com, the awesome Los Angeles Kings message board that I frequent, that someone was arguing that the NHL playoff overtime system should be modified somehow, because it effects the entire series, and it is too mentally and physically draining on the players. I wasn't going to comment, because I figured this guy must be one in a million.
Then tonight, during my sports show Platforum, one of the guests on the show used his final word - a segment dedicated to voicing your opinion on something important to you in the world of sports - to make the same point that I'd read earlier this morning. Something needs to be done to change this playoff system.
If two people feel this way, it probably isn't a freak thing; there are actually people that feel this way! And this needs to be addressed!
The mental and physical fatigue effects both teams equally, because they both play the same long drawn out game! It is the team that can persevere - that can find the energy and adrenaline from their personal deepest depths - that come out on top when its all said and done. Giving your all when you've got nothing left to give is the stuff that champions are made of!
Look at how un-fulfilling the end of the World Cup was between France and Italy. It came down to penalty kicks. PENALTY KICKS to decide who is the best team in the world! Bartez, who is a small goalie and is terrible in the PK, didn't stand a chance; and the World Cup was decided.
Am I advocating non-stop sudden death in soccer? Probably not, simply because the nature of the game is so much more low scoring. But maybe giving both teams breaks - such as the period system in hockey - might keep the teams fresh enough to decide a winner. But that is a whole different sport and argument for a different day.
The point is this; nothing in the world of sports comes CLOSE to the intensity of NHL playoff overtime. Even considering making a change - to 4 on 4, or to a shootout, or any other silly option that anyone could come up with; would be absurd.
While we're at it, lets cut extra innings in baseball and decide a winner by a home run contest instead. And instead of overtime in basketball, lets switch to a slam dunk contest.
As for sudden death in pro football? That actually does need some work.
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5 comments:
Gotta agree with you, Vegas. It may be just as taxing on the fans when it comes to watching those never-ending multiple overtime games, but that's what makes them great. You feel relieved when your team wins and completely devastated if they lose.
The only thing that would feel any worse? ... Do away with them.
Lord Stanley's cup is the greatest prize in all of sports. For anyone to even mention a new system to decide the end of a playoff game,no matter how much they know about hockey is a total joke.
Kudos to you Vegas
I like that we were playing poker into the wee hours of the morning the other night while listening to a radio stream of the Stars-Canucks game. There were no other sports going on, and any time is the best time for sports. I like that the games really do come down to who is the best, no matter how long it takes. As usual, you got this one right Vegas. I really hope you post something I disagree with soon or all of these praises to you could get old real fast.
You're right Vegas--there's a major difference between regular season and playoff hockey. The intensity in the playoffs is something that can't be matched...and that's why you don't mess with the system.
I'm with you for the most part. But four on four wouldn't be that much of an abomination.
And damnit I can't take you seriously when people call you Vegas.
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