Ever since the NHL eliminated tie games and instituted the shootout, fans have debated the merits of winning a team game with individual efforts. Some think it's exciting, others insist "Sweet Georgia Brown" play every time a shootout is needed. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, you have to admit that the shootout has at least given the league its fair share of awesome YouTube moments.

In honor of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs kicking off this week, here are some of our favorite shootout goals of the year.


New Jersey Devils' sniper Zach Parise shows the quickest way to separate a goalie from his jockstrap.



Teemu Selanne (gesundheit) notches one for the Anaheim Ducks because, apparently, Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco decided to take a nap.



If you want to argue that the shootout isn't a circus act, then Toronto Maple Leafs' forward Jason Blake isn't helping.



Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk is so deadly in shootouts he's inspired his own adjective. ("What a Datsyukian deke that was!") He proves that patience is a virtue.



Dallas Stars' Mike Ribeiro is the definition of "slick." Note how he "hushes" the L.A. crowd after notching this bad boy.



And finally - we're cheating a little on this one. Although not an NHL shootout goal, Swedish forward (and Edmonton Oilers draft pick) Linus Omark's tally in an exhibition game against Switzerland is one for the ages.