The three-on-three in overtime seems to be a consensus among the National Hockey League’s (NHL) most talented players, who see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to see what’s best.
During an ESPN question-and-answer session, some Bettman stars said they wanted the shootings to stop. At least five-minute overtime periods were switched to a three-on-three format in 2015-2016, but hockey players want more.
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“Eliminate shootings. Just do three on three until someone scores,” said Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau during the interview with the American media.
“It would force teams to use more players and allow more players to play in overtime,” Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel added. I think it’s always an exciting time for fans. As a hockey fan, when I see games go into overtime, I immediately turn on my TV because I love watching three-on-three games. I think it would be great for the fans.”
Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes) suggested, among other things, that referees should also be questioned by journalists after games, which would help explain certain decisions.
Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets) suggested that power plays don’t end after a goal. Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres) wants goals scored by skating the puck to be allowed. New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba would simply prefer to see the salary cap eliminated.
In short, some suggestions should be studied… and others should be forgotten.