from Craig Custance of ESPN,

I have nothing against the shootout. In fact, I like it. I've never changed the channel when a game goes to the shootout and always notice that every fan is on their feet in an arena where a game goes to a shootout.

Still, I hated to see a great game between the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets end in a shootout Thursday night. That one needed at least five more minutes of overtime, because the entertainment level was off the charts.

You had one of the West's hottest teams in San Jose exchanging punches with a Columbus team that is trying to prove to the world it's for real, in a Nationwide Arena that was absolutely electric. It didn't seem right that it ended the way it did, with a 4-3 shootout win for the Sharks.

But even in the loss, the Blue Jackets continued to bolster their case, and are now tied with the Rangers for second in the Metropolitan Division. Nationwide won't be an easy building to play in if the Blue Jackets make the playoffs.

more topics with Burnside on the Leafs, LeBrun on the Lightning and Strang on the Bruins...