CSKA head coach and former NHLer Sergei Fedorov makes craziest coaching decision - and it pays off!
The implementation of 3-on-3 overtime has been met with both enormous support and great criticism. On one hand, it leads to more games being decided before a shootout, but on the other hand, it's not exactly welcomed by hockey purists who believe that OT should be 5-on-5.
The KHL has also adopted the 3-on-3 OT format, which to be honest is more of a skills showcase than it is a display of traditional hockey and it can also lead to some innovative ideas, as was on full display on Saturday in KHL action on Saturday when NHL Hall-of-Famer Sergei Fedorov, who is now a head coach in the KHL, turned a 3-on-3 OT into what essentially amounted to a power play for CSKA Moscow by pulling their goalie on the opening faceoff. It paid off in a big way.
We won't likely be seeing this in the NHL anytime soon, though. There is an NHL rule in place that could cost teams valuable points in the standings should the the "shorthanded" team score an empty-net goal in OT.
Clubs who pull their goaltender for an extra attacker during the overtime period (other than on a delayed penalty) will be subject to the potential forfeiture of their one (1) point earned for the tie at the end of regulation in the event the opposing team scores into the empty net.
I can't think of many teams who would want to willingly forfeit a guaranteed point if they come out on the wrong end of the decision.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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