NHL may shift to 3-on-3 play in OT next season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In an effort to wrap up more games before the shootout, NHL general managers are recommending 3-on-3 play in overtime of games as soon as next season.
On an experimental basis, the American Hockey League has used a revised overtime setting that incorporates some 3-on-3 play. AHL overtimes have featured 4-on-4 play for at least the first four minutes, then 3-on-3 play upon the first stoppage after the four-minute mark. AHL overtimes are seven minutes, two minutes more than in the NHL.
Twenty-four percent of AHL overtime games have gone to a shootout this season using that format. In the NHL, 58 percent of overtime games have gone to a shootout in 2014-15.
The only remaining question for NHL general managers, who are meeting this week in Florida, is whether to recommend the AHL’s seven-minute overtime model for next season or to play 3-on-3 for five minutes.
“I think it’s going to be exciting for the fans, and I think it’s great,” Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo said. “When you get that kind of skill on the ice and that kind of openness to the game, you’re going to see some great plays, no question. I think you’ll see a lot of games end before the shootout.
“From a tactical part of it, it’ll be interesting to see how we manage that in terms of splitting it between forwards and defenseman and systematically what you can do both offensively and defensively to try to get yourself an advantage.”
In addition to a revised overtime, NHL general managers are recommending the league implement a limited coach’s challenge for goalie interference and delay of game calls.
“It’ll be interesting to see where we can go with that,” Yeo said. “I’m all for it. I think it’s good for the game. What you definitely want is the outcome to be true. If a call is made, you want it to be the right one. And I know that the refs want that, and the league wants it as well.”