The NHL’s Best Shootout Specialists

When a hockey game remains deadlocked after overtime, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic moments in sports: the shootout. It’s a pure battle of skill, nerve, and instinct, where a single move can steal the spotlight and secure a crucial win. In the NHL, shootouts are not just about entertainment. They often define seasons, impact playoff races, and highlight a unique breed of player—those who thrive under pressure. According to NHL.com’s shootout records, some players have built entire reputations on their ability to deliver when the game hangs in the balance.

What Makes a Great Shootout Player?

Being a shootout specialist requires more than just raw talent. While speed and stickhandling are important, it’s the mental toughness and ability to read the goaltender that truly set the elite apart.

Poise Under Pressure

Shootouts are different from regulation or even overtime play. There’s no help from teammates, no line changes, and no margin for error. The player must skate in alone and make a decision within seconds. Great shootout performers don’t just rely on instinct. They stay calm, control the pace, and force the goalie to commit first.

Deceptive Stickhandling

Success in the shootout often comes from subtlety rather than flashy moves. Players like Patrick Kane and Frans Nielsen have mastered the art of deception. A fake shot, a quick backhand, or a slight pause can throw the goalie off just enough to slip the puck into the net.

Knowing the Goalie

Elite shootout scorers do their homework. They study goaltender tendencies, looking for weaknesses in positioning or predictable reactions. Some keep mental notes, while others use video analysis to prepare for their turn. Much like a poker player reading their opponent, shootout stars often win the psychological battle before they even touch the puck.

Top Current and All-Time Shootout Leaders

Over the years, the NHL has seen several players who seem born for the shootout spotlight. Whether they became famous for their high conversion rates or their memorable moments, these players have left their mark.

All-Time Greats

• Pavel Datsyuk: The Russian magician was known for jaw-dropping creativity. His "Datsyukian deke" is legendary and has inspired countless young players to experiment with unorthodox moves.
• Frans Nielsen: Often overlooked in other areas of the game, Nielsen quietly became one of the most efficient shootout scorers in NHL history. His success came from a reliable and deceptively simple approach.
• Zach Parise: Consistent and composed, Parise has long been among the league’s best in pressure situations.

Current Stars

• T.J. Oshie: Oshie became a household name after his clutch shootout performance in the 2014 Winter Olympics. He has continued to be a go-to option in the NHL for the Washington Capitals.
• Auston Matthews: While better known for his 5-on-5 dominance, Matthews has also shown creativity and precision during shootouts, making him a threat every time.
• Trevor Zegras: The Anaheim Ducks' young forward brings flair to the shootout, often trying moves that toe the line between genius and insane. His style reflects the new generation’s boldness.

It’s not uncommon for these players to prepare mentally before games, finding time to relax and focus. Some players have pre-game routines involving everything from music to meditation. Others, in today’s world of personal comforts, might bring along a few travel essentials such as headphones, gum, or a Rama Vape device to help keep a sense of calm and familiarity while on the road.

Signature Moves and Strategies

Shootouts are where skill meets creativity. Over time, some players have become known for their signature approaches, and fans tune in just to see what trick they might pull next.

Classic Moves That Still Work

• The Backhand Roof: A quick forehand to backhand shift followed by lifting the puck into the top corner. Effective and difficult to stop when executed quickly.
• The Slow Roll: Players like Jason Spezza have mastered the art of slowing down to a crawl, waiting for the goalie to make the first move before sliding the puck in.
• The Five-Hole Slide: Targeting the space between the goalie’s legs can be risky but rewarding, especially if the keeper overcommits.

Tricks and Innovation

Modern shootouts have seen a rise in experimentation:

• Spin-o-rama: Once a fan favorite, this move has been phased out due to new rules, but it remains iconic.
• Toe Drags and One-Handed Shots: Zegras and others continue to push boundaries with moves that were once considered too flashy for competitive play.
• Delayed Release: Delaying the shot just long enough to catch the goalie leaning is a subtle but effective method used by veterans.

Goalie Counter-Strategies

Shootout success isn’t just about offense. Goalies are constantly evolving their strategies to keep up. Many goalies stay deeper in the crease, allowing them more time to react. Others aggressively challenge the puck carrier to cut down angles.

Training and preparation have improved, with many goaltenders watching film specifically on shootout scenarios. The mental aspect plays a huge role as well, especially for younger goalies who may have less experience facing elite scorers one-on-one.

How Shootouts Shape the Season

Though they only account for a small percentage of total play time, shootouts can significantly affect a team’s playoff hopes. With two points on the line, the importance of having shootout specialists on the roster becomes clear.

The Point System’s Influence

In the NHL’s current format, a win in the shootout is worth two points, while a loss still earns the team one point for reaching overtime. This structure has created scenarios where teams fight hard in regulation just to secure at least one point, then send in their shootout aces to claim the second.

A strong shootout record can be the difference between making the playoffs or missing out. Teams like the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils have, in different years, leaned heavily on their shootout success to boost their standings.

Building Roster Depth with Shootouts in Mind

Some coaches keep a player on the roster primarily for their shootout skills. While this is rare, it has become more common as the value of shootout wins becomes clearer. This forces general managers to think beyond 5-on-5 talent and consider who can deliver when it’s just the skater and the goalie.

Fan Experience and Broadcast Appeal

From a viewer’s perspective, shootouts are electrifying. The drama, the silence before the skater moves, the roar of the crowd after a goal or save—it all makes for excellent television. As reported by The Athletic, shootouts consistently rank among the highest-rated segments of NHL broadcasts, especially when star players are involved.

Conclusion

Shootouts may be controversial among purists who prefer games to end in traditional fashion, but there’s no denying the excitement and spectacle they bring. For fans, they offer heart-pounding entertainment. For players, they present an opportunity to shine in a high-stakes, one-on-one duel.

Whether it’s an established veteran pulling out a well-practiced move or a young star trying something outrageous, shootouts remind us why we love hockey. They blend skill, drama, and unpredictability in a way few other moments can.

As the game continues to evolve, shootout specialists will remain a vital part of a team’s strategy and a major part of the league’s storytelling. With more players developing advanced stickhandling and mental techniques, the art of the shootout is only getting better. As Sportsnet outlines, these thrilling finishes continue to shape the NHL landscape and capture the imagination of hockey fans everywhere.