Should the NHL adopt the 'T.J. Oshie Rule'

The United States and Russia played one of the more memorable games since their 1980 matchup at Lake Placid.

The rivalry isn't as intense since the Cold War ended and professional players now are allowed to compete in the Olympics, but it was an important game the United States needed to win. Playing Russia on home ice really added to the excitement of the game, but no one could have guessed the game would end the way it did.

The United States won the game 3-2 in one of the most dramatic shootouts anyone has ever seen since the NHL adopted the shootout way back in 2005. However, the International Ice Hockey Federation runs the shootout a little differently than the NHL.Getting to watch USA play Russia is exciting enough, but the IIHF shootout rules helped make it that much better.

Tim Mitsos, Detroit Red Wings writer, made his opinion clear in a Yahoo Sports Article, “Let me start out by saying I think the shootout is gimmicky. A game shouldn't be decided by a one-on-one play, but since shootouts are the rule for the time being, IIHF rules would at least make the NHL shootouts better.”

NHL rule 84.4 states that a team may not repeat shooters until everyone eligible to shoot has done so. If the score is tied after each team's first three shooters, they must start selecting players who haven't taken a turn until the game ends.

Essentially, the shootout could last long enough to where teams are selecting third- and fourth-line forwards and, possibly, even defenseman. More times than not, these guys will not be successful.

The IIHF rules state you can use any skater once the initial three skaters have gone. Dan Bylsma, United States head coach, decided to use T.J. Oshie five more times after he took his initial shot.

Oshie went 4-for-6 playing a huge role in the United States getting the win. It was very exciting watching Oshie and the Russian goalie go one on one shot after shot. Both players have to think about their next move and try to stay one step ahead of the other.

David Poile, the general manager and architect of the U.S. squad, told NHL.com staff writer Corey Masisak that Oshie's shootout prowess was one of the deciding factors for including him on the roster.

Now everyone is asking why doesn’t the NHL do this? If it has the potential to be this exciting why wouldn’t they?

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly doesn’t see change coming anytime soon, “We haven’t even talked about that with our general managers at any point and time, but I would very surprised if the general managers would ever be supportive of that type of concept. It’s tough enough that they don’t like the shootout as it is.”

One NHL point is on the line when those superstars hit the ice for the shootout. You want your best players giving you the opportunity to win the game, and the IIHF rules allow you to do that.