http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2006/11/16/the-psychology-of-shootout-success-and-suckitude.html A Haven for the Hockey Malnourished Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:47:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2006/11/16/the-psychology-of-shootout-success-and-suckitude.html/comment-page-1#comment-2262 Mmmm...Toasty Fri, 17 Nov 2006 19:11:14 +0000 http://mvn.com/onfrozenblog/2006/11/16/the-psychology-of-shootout-success-and-suckitude.html#comment-2262 With the new NHL point structure, the extra point from shootout wins will ultimately make the difference between an early tee time and playing beyond the middle of April. Shootout success is essential in the new NHL. Where would Buffalo be in the Eastern Conference standings without a 4-1 shootout record? With the new NHL point structure, the extra point from shootout wins will ultimately make the difference between an early tee time and playing beyond the middle of April. Shootout success is essential in the new NHL. Where would Buffalo be in the Eastern Conference standings without a 4-1 shootout record?

]]> http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2006/11/16/the-psychology-of-shootout-success-and-suckitude.html/comment-page-1#comment-2261 pepper Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:06:41 +0000 http://mvn.com/onfrozenblog/2006/11/16/the-psychology-of-shootout-success-and-suckitude.html#comment-2261 Throw Gordo out there! Just kidding (maybe). This comment could reference back the science of hockey article earlier posted on this fine blog, but clearly, to me, a principal difference between the breakaway during a game and a shootout attempt is (i) the shooter himself feels a sense of urgency in-game (defense is bearing down, time of game, opportunity to settle the puck for a shot, whatever) and (ii) the goalie has some in-game distractions in the form of other players in peripheral vision, specifically the potential for some passing play. More "soft" science, I'd say a guy like Petty gets more pumped to score a regulation breakaway goal than a shootout goal, because of the drama (and maybe perhaps because, until now, North American players don't grow up dreaming of scoring a shootout goal to win a game, rather one more like a Dale Hunter OT game winner). Shootouts are scripted in a sense, whereas the in-game breakaway is so exciting because it develops immediately without advance notice. I agree a shootout specialist exists and takes a unique skill set. Specifically someone who has good hands, but can't show it off as well with time pressure and traffic. Throw Gordo out there!
Just kidding (maybe).
This comment could reference back the science of hockey article earlier posted on this fine blog, but clearly, to me, a principal difference between the breakaway during a game and a shootout attempt is (i) the shooter himself feels a sense of urgency in-game (defense is bearing down, time of game, opportunity to settle the puck for a shot, whatever) and (ii) the goalie has some in-game distractions in the form of other players in peripheral vision, specifically the potential for some passing play.
More “soft” science, I’d say a guy like Petty gets more pumped to score a regulation breakaway goal than a shootout goal, because of the drama (and maybe perhaps because, until now, North American players don’t grow up dreaming of scoring a shootout goal to win a game, rather one more like a Dale Hunter OT game winner). Shootouts are scripted in a sense, whereas the in-game breakaway is so exciting because it develops immediately without advance notice.
I agree a shootout specialist exists and takes a unique skill set. Specifically someone who has good hands, but can’t show it off as well with time pressure and traffic.

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