The NHL has announced a schedule for an expanded look at 3v3 overtime during the 2015 preseason:
The National Hockey League has designated 45 games on its upcoming 2015 preseason schedule in which the participating teams will play a five-minute, sudden-death overtime period using the new ‘3-on-3’ format — regardless of the score at the end of regulation time. The overtime period will be played with each team at 3-on-3 manpower (plus goaltender).
This preseason mandate will provide all participants — players, coaches, management and on-ice officials — an expanded opportunity to test the new format in advance of its introduction to regular-season play when the 2015-16 NHL season opens on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Preseason games tied at the end of regulation will use the same extra-time procedure as during the regular season — a five-minute, sudden-death overtime period using the new 3-on-3 format, followed, if still tied, by a shootout.
Here is a look at the games the Red Wings will be participating in the new sudden-death format:
Tuesday, September 22nd – at Chicago, 8:00 pm ET
Thursday, September 24th – vs Pittsburgh, 7:30 pm ET
Saturday, October 2nd – at Toronto, 7:30 pm ET
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This will give fans a better look at the 3v3 format, and hopefully act as a efficient display of how it will change the way games are being decided. The idea is to eliminate the number games that are decided by shootout. With a 3v3 format, there’s going to be a more exciting product of hockey. Essentially you will have two forwards, and one defenseman. This opens up way more chances for odd-man rushes, and exciting scoring chances.
Now, the question must be asked… Who is your ideal three-man lineup for the new overtime formatting?