Lost in all the excitement of the NHL’s new three-on-three overtime for the 2015-16 season is the fact the shootout is pretty exciting in its own right. After all, they don’t call it (in some cases mockingly) the “skills competition” for nothing.
Last night the New York Islanders and Florida Panthers reminded the hockey world of just how great an epic shootout can be. Tied at two after 65 minutes, this happened:
Must See: Islanders/Panthers Epic Shootout
Nine straight goals to open a shootout is the most since it was introduced in the 2005-06 season. For their part, the Panthers are no strangers to record-setting shootouts, as they took part in the longest-ever shootout back on December 16, 2014, when they defeated the Washington Capitals in 20 rounds.
“This time, we were trying to go 20 rounds but without making a save,” Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo, who was also in net for the 20-rounder, joked after the game, via NHL.com. Perhaps it shouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise, as Luongo holds the NHL record for most shootout appearances to go along with most shootout losses and most shootout goals conceded.
Florida’s Brandon Pirri started off the epic shootout with his third goal in three attempts this season, but Islanders forward Frans Nielsen would reply, setting off an intense back and forth that saw poor Luongo and New York’s Jaroslav Halak shelled with goal after goal. Florida closed things out when Aleksander Barkov scored a Forsbergian goal that Brock Nelson couldn’t reply to, as Luongo finally made a stop to seal the 3-2 win for the Panthers.
Luckily, securing the win makes it easier to joke about it.
Shootouts!!!!! pic.twitter.com/YTD01nTcWm
— Strombone (@strombone1) November 28, 2015
Main Photo:
Main PHoto: Roberto Luongo makes a blocker saver during a game at BB&T Center on November 16, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Getty Images/NHL Collection).
