NHL Considering 3-on-3 Overtime

Len Redkoles/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The NHL is exploring ways to change overtime once again.

Three-on-three hockey is being discussed as a new format to reduce the number of games that end in a shootout.

The NHL does not want to eliminate the shootout, rather add a five minute period of three-on-three play after the five minute four-on-four overtime period — similar to the AHL rule.

“That’s something we’re going to discuss with the competition committee because, obviously, we want the players’ association input on how we’re going to approach it,” Commissioner Gary Bettman. “So we’re going to look at both variables and figure out which one, collectively with the competition committee, we think makes the most sense. Then ultimately, it’s subject to Board Of Governor approval.”

The rule could be implemented as soon as the 2015-2016 season, if it is approved by the NHL’s competition committee.

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