One of the discussion items on TSN’s Off the Record today was Linus Omark’s shootout goal from the weekend. The question asked if the goal was embarrassing for the NHL.
I don’t want to put too fine a point on it, but let’s go with… no.
Absolutely not.
Not in a million years could that goal be considered embarrassing to Omark, to the league, or to hockey in general.
The goal demonstrated an extraordinary amount of skill and is a much better way to put the NHL on Pardon the Interruption than anything Sean Avery has ever done.
Here in Canada, the goal inspired a Sports Centre Top 10.
I was raised to like old time hockey, and Lord knows my dad would want to knock Omark on his ass for hot-dogging like that. But he would never discount the skill Omark displayed.
The only people that have a problem with Omark’s spin move are the Tampa Bay Lightning and the dinosaurs that wish pre-lockout hockey would come back.
The only thing embarrassing about this goal is the way talking heads and writers seem to think it was so horrible. Why would anyone watch a hockey game when the people that are supposed to sell the game never have anything good to say?
As I wrote earlier this season, it’s the skill that sucked me back in. I love watching hockey. I can be critical like anyone, but I can’t imagine criticizing a player or play for being too skillful. The skill is what makes this game great, and anyone that has a problem with the skill should probably find another hobby.
(with thanks to BK for inspiration for the title)
1 comment:
Dear Steve,
As a true hockey fan I have two things to say:
1) I hate shootouts! Hockey is a "Team" sport and to have the whole thing come down to one on one hockey is in no way a "Team" effort. Get rid of shootouts!
2) If we have to have shootouts, add some entertainment! While Omark may have been a bit of a "hotdog" with that move, it clearly does show his level of ingenuity and skill. People everywhere were talking about Omark's move and creating a news story about shootouts which, normally don't receive any type of coverage.
Cudos to him for his creativity!
Mom
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