When ties were possible, they were seen as either positive or negative depending on how they were being referenced in a team's performance in the NHL. Winning streaks and losing streaks didn't get as much attention because they often weren't very long. A team that was doing well was often described in terms of their "unbeaten streak" (ties included with the wins), while a team that was doing poorly was measured by a "winless streak" (ties included with the losses).
I still think the NHL has some work to do when it comes to overtime games. Even if they don't want to have ties (and I agree with that, for the most part), I'm convinced that the shootout is a bad idea.
FTA: “Some have suggested that Detroit's streak should wear an asterisk, since the Wings have won three times in overtime and once during a shootout, but don't try selling that theory inside an NHL dressing room.”
In afterthought, I'm not persuaded by the argument about diluting the gene pool of players by the explosion of the number of NHL teams since the “original six”. These guys are far better athletes with greater skills and equipment than those old timers. However, these space age hockey sticks that break all the time certainly need upgrading.