The Detroit Red Wings feel they are growing more accustomed to the NHL’s new three-on-three overtime.
So it would appear, is every other team.
As the NHL season progresses, more games are progressing to the shootout, the element that hockey people hoped would be significantly diminished by the introduction of three-on-three OT.
“I saw a stat maybe about a month ago how at the start of the season it was maybe 66 per cent of the game’s were ended in three on three,… Detroit defenseman Mike Green said. “As the year’s gone on, it’s down to like 54 per cent.…
Green’s math is a little off but his point is well taken.
In October, 33 NHL games went to OT and only 10 reached the shootout. That's 69.6 per cent that ended in three on three. In November, the split of 49 games was 33 decided in OT (67.3 per cent) and 16 via shootout.
So far in December, the total is 32 games, of which 22 ended in OT (68.2 per cent), so it’s bounced back a bit in favour of three on three.
“You’re seeing how teams are sort of figuring out structurally how to play the game,… Green said. “It’s definitely not easy, that’s for sure. It takes a lot of commitment to sort of visualize where guys are going and whatnot.
“It’s definitely a different game than the five on five.…
The key is proving to be taking a cautious approach, especially with puck possession. Considering the long change that must be made it OT, teams with the puck don’t want to give it up unless there’s a gilt-edged scoring chance available to them.
“I don’t think you necessarily need to think more aggressively,… Detroit forward Gustav Nyquist said. “That will just happen by itself. It will just play out by itself.
“For me you think a little more about puck possession because it’s so huge to have the puck. If you don’t have a great chance you’re probably better to keep it within the team and maybe get a change and get fresh legs out there because you have the long change as well, so it’s really hard for the other team to change if you have possession because if they change, you’re going to get a good scoring chance right away.
“Keeping your shifts short, making sure you have fresh legs out there so you don’t get stuck out there too long, that’s a big part of it and also to keep the puck within the team as much as possible.…
The Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers have played an NHL-high 13 OT games They are 7-5-1 in OT and are 1-1 in the shootout. Ottawa and New Jersey (11 each) are next.
Calgary leads the league with eight OT wins, one more than the Wings.
No Recall Detroit coach Jeff Blashill was headed to Grand Rapids on Wednesday to check out Detroit’s AHL farm club, but he wasn’t planning on bringing anyone back with him.
“Not right now,… Detroit assistant coach Tony Granato said. “It worked out schedule-wise that this is the first time he’s been able to sneak away from our schedule to see a game.
“It’s important for him to get there. We haven’t made any roster decisions nor have we discussed making any changes.…
Penalty Phase Out Tomas Jurco’s miss in Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres was just the latest disappointment for the Red Wings of the penalty shot variety.
“The Wings haven't scored on a penalty shot since Valtteri Filppula tallied against Florida Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun on Dec, 15, 2007. Filppula actually scored on two penalty shots six days apart – first on Dec. 10 against the Nashville Predators and Dan Ellis - and then again five days later.
Since then the Wings have failed on nine straight penalty shots, including Jurco's attempt.
On the flip side, opponents have been offered 26 penalty shot attempts over the same span, scoring on nine of them.
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