NHL with its gun to the Shootout's Head

Today news broke, i saw from Sam Carchidi, that the NHL is considering changing the Regular Season overtime format. Now the format is after 3 periods end in a tie the game goes to 5 minutes of 4 on 4 then heads to the shootout. However most teams hold back, so they do not lose the game, during the 5 minute period and let the game be decided by the shootout.

Now the NHL is consider using this format: After a game is tied after 3 periods of play the game will head to a 3 minute 4 on 4 period, followed by a 3 minute 3 on 3 period, followed by a 3 minute 2 on 2 period then concluding with a shootout if neccessary.

Another sidenote, during the 2 on 2 play there will only be 1 referee on the ice, leaving the second one to watch play from behind and watch for any infractions.


The NHL seems to have realized that team should not have their season decided on a beautiful move by Daniel Briere, such as what happened to the New York Rangers this past season. The format also has the coaches playing a much larger role in the overtime period. They will have to choose line combos and situations very carefully as the overtime periods war on.

This format will be such an improvement to the now boring overtime format. Fans, such as myself, have come to see the shootout as picking straws with not a very good chance of entertainment. The proposed change will lead to a much greater on ice atmosphere as well, as players will more pumped to jump out there with a lot more open ice.

I approve NHL, lets get a move on passing this already!