Well, yes, in a situation where you've only managed one goal (been there, done that, many times), the shutout is vital. Sacrificing offense in the name of defense when you can score goals, though, just because GA counts more than GF, isn't "vital" to winning the game; therefore, it shouldn't be made vital to winning a playoff spot. 1-0 shouldn't count for more than 5-2, IMHO.
