Who has an advantage during the shootouts - player or goalie? Many people think that the shooter has a bigger chance, but actually it is the goalie. Even if the player does everything right, the goalie the statistically the upper hand. There are a lot of great goalies in modern hockey who try to maximize their chances during the shootouts. They study their opponents and spend hours to get an upper hand. 

Which players in the NHL have the highest shootout scoring percentage, and who is among the best executors of a shootout? Why did shootouts even become a thing in hockey? Some die-hard fans think it is unfair to decide games in such a manner, because shootouts are more or less a lottery and the better team many times does not win. 

Shootouts in the NHL: Origins & Reasons

Shootouts were supposed to be introduced in the National Hockey League for the 2004-05 season, but then the lockout happened. The decision was delayed for another year. NHL wanted to follow steps of IIHF's competitions where the shootouts were used like a useful tool in determining who gets the extra point in a game that ended in a tie. 

Bringing the shootout to the NHL eliminated ties, especially when the points that could have been awarded in an overtime victory would go a long way in helping teams in the standings. Owners believed that the fans in North America were demanding a more interesting end to tied matches. However, there are no shootouts during the playoffs. If the game ends in a tie in the playoffs, the teams play until the next regular goal is scored. 

Shootouts in the NHL: Players With Highest Shootout Scoring Percentage

The player with with the highest scoring percentage in NHL shootouts is Petteri Nummelin, who scored 8 goals on 10 attempts. Young star Trevor Zegras is second with 11 goals in 18 shootouts, and third place belongs to Russian forward Artemi Panarin with 27 goals on 45 shots. You will find the TOP 10 in the chart below; there are only players who took at least ten penalty shootouts during their careers in the NHL. 

Shootouts in the NHL: Most Shootout Shot Attempts

Are you even surprised? Patrick Kane attempted 130 shootout shots during his NHL career (until today) with spectacular 52 goals. There are more legendary players in the chart below; you can choose from some big names: Ovechkin, Pavelski, Parise, Kopitar, Toews, Crosby, or Perry. These players play or played the majority of their careers after the 2005-06 season, when the shootouts were introduced.

Shootouts in the NHL: Most Memorable Shots and Goals

Which NHL player is your favorite in a shootout and why? It's difficult to choose one, two or three. Fans love skills, but they also appreciate precision or even pure fun during a shootout. Here are some of the most legendary shootout attempts in the NHL history. In other words, it's Pavel Datysuk time! 

..and what about the most controversial ones? 

Shootouts are very popular among hockey fans from their introduction in the NHL. People are excited to see them, because you never know who will win. Both teams have a chance, you also need a bit of luck. It's definitely a refreshing feature for the game. Who knows, maybe we'll see shootouts in the playoffs too. 

PHOTO & DATA SOURCES: The Hockey News, NHL

Jakub Vaverka

I create content for social media for a living and I live hockey. Going to NHL games and writing blogs about my most favorite game is a dream come true.