STEVE MCALLISTER: Perhaps it's time to revisit the NHL's overtime format after Wednesday night/Thursday morning's five-hour marathon in Vancouver. If you're a Canucks fan, there's lots to celebrate - 72 saves by Roberto Luongo in his NHL playoff curtain-raiser, Henrik Sedin's goal near the end of the fourth extra period and a 1-0 lead for the locals over the Dallas Stars.
But given the surprising silence that accompanied the New York Islanders' trip to the playoffs courtesy of Sunday's shootout win against New Jersey, why not incorporate it into the postseason? Soccer's showcase events are decided by shootout after an overtime frame, and there's no hue and cry from fans of the beautiful game.
Playing a 20-minute sudden-death overtime period followed by a shootout would mean no fans falling asleep in their seats and a lot less chance of injury for players who are spent after 60 minutes of hockey.
