"The NHL playoffs are heating up, but not just on the ice. As the first round of the postseason reaches its climax, a peculiar record is within striking distance – and it's not a mark of defensive prowess or a team's ability to score goals. According to recent trends, the number of penalty shots taken in the NHL playoffs is on pace to break a record, with the current tally already exceeding expectations. As teams battle for a spot in the next round, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if this surge in penalty shots is a result of increased physicality or simply a product of the league's growing emphasis on officiating."
The NHL playoffs are nearing a record for penalty shots and it’s still the first round Toronto Star
