Panthers go the distance in a record 20-round shootout
The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals broke the shoot out record of a 15 round match with a 20 round shootout which included 40 attempts and 11 goals, with the Panthers winning the game against the Capitals. Washington still remains in the seventh seed in the NHL Eastern Conference even after their loss. The Panthers are at this point ninth seed and not major competition for the Capitals in the Eastern conference. Photo taken from public domain.
by Jordan Fickling, sports editor
History was made at the BB&T Center as the Washington Capitals and the Florida Panthers engaged in a record breaking shootout.
A shootout is used if a Hockey game remains tied after a period of overtime. There are three shooters assigned to each team and if the game remains tied, teams will attempt shooting against the goalie until a decisive finish. The game cannot conclude until each team has taken the same amount of shots.
One important fact about shootouts is that it will not increase or decrease individual statistics of the shooters.
“I think shootouts in Hockey are a great way to keep fans entertained. Hockey is a high octane sport and the longer the shootout lasts, the longer fans like myself can enjoy it,” teacher Ms. Marks said.
Center Nick Bjugstad’s goal was the clincher for Florida as they ended a record setting 20 round shootout which included 40 attempts and 11 goals just in the span of 20 minutes.
Before this game, the record held for longest shootout in NHL history was a 15 round match between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals. This game was another loss for the Capitals.
Washington shouldn’t fret over this loss. They still remain the seventh seed in the NHL Eastern Conference whereas the Panthers aren’t even in contention (9th seed in the conference).