As a traditionalist, I could live without the shootout. As a realist, I acknowledge it isn’t going anywhere. The NHL prefers resolutions, even via gimmicks, instead of ties.

The proposal, then, is to embrace the shootout for what it is: a party trick. To that end, every home-ice shooter should take his shot with his preference of tunes blaring from the arena sound systems.

Think baseball, when each hitter approaches the box to a few favorite bars. Music would heighten the atmosphere of the shootout. Upon the shootout’s conclusion, if the home team scores the decision, the winning goalie’s music should play as his teammates congratulate him on the win. It would give fans another peek at players’ personalities.

-Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe where you can read more hockey topics...