Star players could see a lot more ice with the NHL's pending new OT rules. (USATSI)
Star players could see a lot more ice with the NHL's pending new OT rules. (USATSI)

It appears the NHL will have a new overtime format for the 2015-16 regular season. That should be music to the ears of anyone that despises the shootout.

The NHL GMs and NHLPA agreed Monday to recommend a five-minute three-on-three overtime period for regular season games not decided in regulation, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. The move will need to be approved by the NHL’s Board of Governors to be implemented.

But fear not, shootout lovers. Under the new rules, if the game is still tied at the end of a 3-on-3 OT, then the shootout would determine a winner.

There was reportedly debate between the GMs and the NHLPA regarding the overtime format, but it appears the players won out. There was believed to be a desire among NHL GMs that the league adopt the hybrid seven-minute overtime period as played in the American Hockey League last season. Those overtimes were played 4-on-4 until the first whistle after three minutes of clock time had passed. Then it switched to 3-on-3 for whatever was left of the OT period. If the game was still tied, then it would go to a shootout.

The AHL experienced dramatic results with limiting the number of games ending in a shootout. It sounds a little confusing, but it undoubtedly served its purpose and provided a nice compromise. It was also considered a resounding success.

The NHLPA wanted none of it, though.

For the purists out there, three-on-three may seem just as gimmicky as the shootout and there’s some validity to that. The game will resemble more of a tennis match than it would a hockey game with the odd-man rushes three-on-three may generate. 

That said, it means more ice time for star players and a challenging strategy for NHL head coaches. Will they go with two forwards and a D? Two D and one forward? It’s going to be interesting to see how coaches toy with this, though that hopefully means they won't strategize the creativity out of it.

It’s a new twist to get more games ending with something that at least resembles actual hockey as opposed to the skills competition that is the shootout which seems to get less compelling by the year. We'll have to wait and see if this is a suitable alternative.

I personally would have preferred the AHL way, which provides a best of both worlds option. Though I’ll also admit that I am as intrigued as anyone as to what the most skilled NHL players are going to be able to do with all that ice. It’s going to be interesting, at least. Now we'll have to see if it's successful.