So, there I was watching a shootout . . .

Did I say that shootouts suck? That they are an abomination against all that is holy about hockey? Well, they are, but that's not the point . . .

I was watching the Penguins gag on their shootout chances this evening against Tampa Bay (the Lighting won on Martin St. Louis' trick shot crap), and it brought to mind the hapless Caps. Among the 29 teams that have participated in shootouts this year (San Jose hasn't so much as been in an overtime yet), the Caps are . . .

- tied for 28th in goals: 1
- 29th in conversion: 7.7 percent
- tied for 22nd in goals allowed (8)
- 29th in save percentage (33.3 percent)
- tied for 25th in wins (0)

That's 0-5 in shootouts this year. As awful as the mere thought of such garbage is, those are five points left on the table. Even getting two of them could spell the difference between an April date on the ice and a choice of tee times at their favorite golf clubs.

Did I mention that I hate the shootout?