As you are all aware the NHL this year will be going to a 3 on 3 five minute overtime prior to the shootout. The idea here is to get more games decided before the shootout and when this was tried last year in the AHL it was found to be very effective in deciding games.
But this is the NHL, not the AHL and the players and coaches are already hard at work to find ways to defeat the 3 on 3....and there are many strategies at hand. So in that spirit here are some of my predictions as to how 3 on 3 OT will go:
#1. Less than 60% games decided before the shootout...
In the AHL the number was in the 70s, but I believe the NHL will be less.
#2. A surprising number of teams will go to 2 D-men and one forward...
In the AHL many teams went for it with two or even three forwards at times. In the NHL I believe coaches will go the other way, since 3 on 3 is essentially a string of two on one situations. In the NHL there are far more offensive skating D men who you can trust to move up in the play as opposed to forwards who you would want defending a two on one break.
#3. Patrick Roy will play with three forwards...
There will be exceptions...
#4. Coaches will roll three three player combos...
I don't believe coaches will go back and forth with two lines in OT with all that skating.
#5. Skilled teams with dynamic duos will dominate...
I think we will see some teams who absolutely dominate in 3 on 3 situations...
What are some of your predictions?
Who do you think the best teams 3 on 3 will be?
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