Do shootout goals count as goals in NHL? Exploring whether it adds to personal stats like any other goal

In the NHL, shootout goals do count towards a player's overall statistics, contributing to their goal total for the season. However, they are recorded differently than regular goals, being categorized as "SOG" (shootout goals) in the player's stat sheet. Despite counting toward personal statistics, shootout goals are viewed with a certain distinction compared to goals scored during regulation play.

While shootout goals contribute to a player's overall goal tally, they are not factored into determining individual awards such as the Art Ross Trophy or the Rocket Richard Trophy. This is because shootout goals are considered less significant than goals scored in the flow of regular gameplay.

The NHL shootout is a unique aspect of the game, providing an exciting and individualistic conclusion to tied matches. Players selected by the coaches showcase their skills in high-pressure situations, contributing to the entertainment value of the sport. However, the controversy surrounding shootouts lies in their departure from the team-oriented nature of hockey and the element of chance that heavily influences the outcome.

Shootout goals indeed count in a player's stats in the NHL, but they come with a nuanced significance, acknowledged as a distinct event within the game. As the debate over the role of shootouts in hockey continues, their impact on individual player statistics remains an interesting facet of the sport.

NHL Playoff Drama: No shootouts, only sudden-death overtime

In NHL playoff games, shootouts are not utilized to determine a winner. Instead, if a playoff game is tied after three regulation periods, teams engage in sudden-death overtime periods, each lasting 20 minutes. This format continues until a team scores, leading to an immediate conclusion of the game with the scoring team declaring the winner. This approach ensures that playoff games have a clear winner, with no possibility of ending in a tie.

The elimination-style nature of playoff hockey demands decisive outcomes for each game, fostering a team-oriented approach to determining winners rather than relying on individual skills showcased in shootouts. The absence of shootouts in the playoffs adds to the intensity and drama of the postseason, with fans and players alike witnessing the unfolding excitement as overtime periods extend.

The introduction of shootouts to the NHL occurred in the 2005-2006 season. This innovative tie-breaking method replaced the previous practice of allowing games to end in a tie if neither team scored during the overtime period. The shootout was implemented to enhance the entertainment value of the sport, providing a thrilling conclusion to games while ensuring a definite winner and addressing concerns about less satisfying tied outcomes.