NHL overtime may look a lot different in 2015-16. Pending Board of Governor’s approval, the league will shift to a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period before moving to the shootout. The days of 4-on-4 OT hockey in the regular season may be over.
Pending B of G approval, NHL will go to 3-on-3 overtime for 5 minutes in regular season games next season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
For those asking, no 4-on-4 OT at all. Right to 3-on-3. 5 minutes sudden death. No goal, it goes to shootout.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
The NHL had been monitoring the AHL’s overtime format (four minutes of 4-on-4 OT before moving to 3-on-3 for three minutes), but the idea of adopting it was squashed by the NHLPA.
NHLPA was adamantly opposed to AHL-tested model (4 mins of 4 on 4 and 3 mins of 3 on 3) so NHL choice was no change at all or 3 on 3 for 5.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
Should the 3-on-3 movement pass, a huge percentage of games will be decided in overtime beginning next season. This is welcome news as it has never made much sense to decide games with a skills competition. The shootout may become a rare sight as offensive players should have no issue finding space with just six skaters on the ice.
A move to 3-on-3 may also lead to some unique situations. A penalty in OT would mean a bizarre 3-on-2 sequence. Along that line, would two penalties (an additional puck over glass call following a tripping call, for instance) lead to a 3-on-1?
We’ll have to wait for more details and for the Board to make a formal decision, but it sounds like 3-on-3 OT hockey is coming.