NHL GMs discussing some intriguing changes to 3-on-3 overtime
If there's one part of the game of hockey that the majority of fans are on the same page with, it's that the overtime rules need to be revised. Shootouts were introduced ahead of the 2005-06 season, and while it was interesting at first, the skills competition has become more of a gimmick than anything else in recent years.
The NHL tried to combat that argument by replacing the 5 minutes of 4-on-4 hockey with the more scintillating 3-on-3 hockey that we see today. Right off the hop, the new 3-on-3 performance was given rave reviews because of how exciting those 5 minutes of overtime hockey had become. It showcased the speed, skill, and offensive abilities of their biggest stars.
The shootouts replaced the idea of having ties in hockey, but it's gotten to a point where no one is in favour of the skills competition to end games anymore.
Colin Campbell said that GMs have discussed the idea of implementing new rules to 3-on-3 overtime, more specifically around the cheap tactic that teams have recently employed where players will continually loop out into the neutral zone to regroup and get fresh skaters on the ice.
Frank Seravalli tweeted out that a potential solution includes that once you cross the red or blue lines, you can't come back out. Another idea was implementing a shot clock like in the NBA. Discussions are ongoing and will be tabled in March.
Most fans have been clamouring for a longer session of 3-on-3 hockey by doubling the time from 5 minutes to 10. Some wouldn't mind bringing back ties and completely eradicating shootouts altogether.
10 minute sessions would likely grow the game to new heights because a lot of neutral fans enjoy the 3-on-3 play. The potential solutions that the league are currently discussing could work, especially if you can't twirl or loop back into the neutral zone or even your own zone to facilitate a line change.
Time will only tell as discussions remain fluid and talks won't be had again until March.
| POLL | ||
14 NOVEMBRE | 327 ANSWERS NHL GMs discussing some intriguing changes to 3-on-3 overtime Would you like to see the NHL implement new OT rules to prevent players from looping back out of the zone to reset? | ||
| Yes | 110 | 33.6 % |
| No | 150 | 45.9 % |
| OT is a joke | 67 | 20.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
