- The NHL introduced the shootout for the 2005-2006 season.
- The longest shootout in NHL history lasted 20 rounds.
- The Panthers defeated the Capitals on a goal by Nick Bjugstad on Dec. 16, 2014.
The NHL made big changes to the rule book after the 2004-2005 lockout. The league got rid of the two-line pass, reduced the size of the neutral zone, and reinstituted delayed offsides.
Arguably the biggest change was the elimination of ties and the introduction of the shootout to determine a winner of games that are still tied after overtime.
Doing away with the tie had a massive impact on every facet of the sport. From NHL betting to roster construction to playoff races, the shootout ushered in a new era of hockey.
Check out the list below of the seven longest shootouts in NHL history.
Longest Shootouts in NHL History
| Date | Rounds | Winner | Loser | Game-Winning Goal |
| Dec. 16, 2014 | 20 | Panthers | Capitals | Nick Bjugstad |
| Nov. 26, 2005 | 15 | Rangers | Panthers | Marek Malik |
| Nov. 22, 2016 | 14 | Islanders | Ducks | Nick Leddy |
| Mar. 27, 2014 | 13 | Lightning | Islanders | Sami Salo |
| Oct. 6, 2006 | 13 | Rangers | Flyers | Marcel Hossa |
| Oct. 31, 2008 | 13 | Canucks | Ducks | Mattias Ohlund |
| Feb. 2, 2015 | 13 | Oilers | Sharks | Rob Klinkhammer |
What’s the Longest Shootout in NHL History?
The longest shootout in NHL history took place between the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers on Dec. 16, 2014, at the BB&T Center (now known as Amerant Bank Arena) in Sunrise, Fla.
The Panthers won the game 2-1 thanks to a goal in the bottom of the 20th round of the shootout by Nick Bjugstad. It was Bjugstad’s second attempt of the night since NHL rules stipulate that you must use all 18 shooters once before starting over.
None of the first three shooters of this infamous shootout scored, but Alex Ovechkin broke the deadlock with the fourth attempt for Washington. Needing a goal to stay alive, the Panthers turned to Jussi Jokinen, who beat Braden Holtby to extend the contest.
That scenario – Washington scoring in the top of the round and Florida answering – played out four more times before Bjugstad won the game with a nifty move in the 20th round.
The 20-round shootout between the Caps and Panthers still stands today.
The previous record for the longest shootout also involved the Capitals. On November 26, 2005, the Caps and Rangers went toe-to-toe for 15 rounds at Madison Square Garden.
That marathon contest was won by one of the most famous goals in the shootout’s history.
Marek Malik, a stay-at-home defenceman who scored 33 goals in 691 NHL games in his career, surprised everyone with a through-the-legs shot that beat Olaf Kolzig. It was a signature moment for the Rangers in a season in which they defied their long hockey odds and qualified for the playoffs.
The only other shootout to go longer than 13 rounds took place on Nov. 22, 2016, between the New York Islanders and Anaheim Ducks. The Isles would win the shootout thanks to a goal by Nick Leddy in the 14th round.
Perhaps the most dubious shootout in NHL history came on Oct. 6, 2006. That night, the Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4. But the real drama came when the two teams went a combined 0-for-24 before Marcel Hossa scored the lone shootout goal in the 13th round to give the Blueshirts the win.