I don't think you're disagreeing with me so much as we both see the necessary evil that is the shoot-out. It's exciting.
I agree though, I think I'd drop shoot-outs in the play-offs. Play till the next day if you ahve to, but no shoot-out. It's less sporting.
I like the way they're divying the points though.... 1 for the loser, 2 for the winner... That's all good.
I think the shoot-out's ok though, and I am a purist too, but in general I think ALL sports are boring when they end in a tie. There's a sense of dissatisfaction when I walk away from the arena without a winner. To me that's the only area we maybe disagree on that Brent. It's just my footing on competitive sports though... Ties make me feel like I got cheated to an extent (irregardless if they're 0 - 0 or 8 -

.
I think it'll help Canadian and U.S. markets though, with having the shoot-out... But ultimately, the point remains that simple rules implementation and enforcement would make the game what it was. They ought to be trying that before altering the game dramatically on any level.