It’s a hell of a lot better than deciding a World Cup in soccer based on a shootout! At least you lose while playing the sport you’ve been playing all year long.
NBC and the NHL try to pick games that they can hype and get the highest ratings for. Toronto playing Boston might be a great game, but the fact that half the fans aren’t in this country DQs it.
Shootouts to decide a hockey game were a half-assed idea that was a mistake to bring into the game, even during the regular season. It’s like having a home run derby decide a baseball game that lasts too long. But “fans” love it....