By now you've probably seen Linus Omark's controversial shootout goal against Tampa Bay from last Friday night. In fact, you've likely seen it 15 times because TSN, Sportsnet and every other sports channel keep talking about it and showing it, and analyzing it, and asking players and coaches and analysts and fans and their dogs what their take on it is.
If you didn't see it, Omark did a spin-arama after picking up the puck, then faked a slap shot and tucked the puck in between the goalie's legs.The Lightning players obviously weren't happy about it, calling it "disrespectful" and saying that players have to earn their stripes in the NHL before doing things like that.
Give me a break! Actually give Omark a break. The kid was just having fun; he obviously has skill and wanted to showcase it. He wasn't trying to show anybody up or "disrespect" the Lightning.
The NHL has the shootout in place strictly for the entertainment of the fans; heaven forbid a player try something creative.I'm getting pretty sick and tired of hearing about the lack of respect younger players have in the league and how they have to earn the right to act certain ways and do certain things. They are in the NHL, right? Hasn't a player done enough to this point in his career to be allowed to do what he wants in a shootout?There have been plenty of "hot dog" shootout goals scored over the years. But I guess the consensus is you have to play a few years before you're allowed to pull them off. What a joke.In my opinion, players should be able to do whatever they want, within the rules, to score goals. After all, Omark did win the hockey game for his team; that is what he was supposed to be trying to do, right? He didn't taunt anyone or gloat or go for one of those ridiculous Ovechkin-type celebrations. That would have been disrespectful. I was quite happy that Omark didn't apologize for the way he scored the goal after the fact, because in no way should he have.
