NHL Should Adopt New AHL Overtime Rule
By Lissa Albert
@LissaRantSports
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Since the beginning of this season, the AHL has used a new overtime rule. Instead of the four-on-four format for five minutes followed a shootout for a win, the AHL has instituted a seven-minute OT. The first three minutes consist of the usual 4-on-4, but after the whistle blows, signifying a change, it goes to three-on-three. Should no team score in OT, the shootout begins.
The results have been remarkable: shootout wins are down from 65 percent last season to 25 percent. Of the 99 games that have gone to OT, 35 percent have been won in a three-on-three. Now, it is rumored that the NHL is examining what is happening in the AHL. Should the rule be adopted in the big leagues?
A shootout is essentially a skills competition: who will prevail — the individual player or the goalie? This is problematic when 60 or more minutes have been played between two teams for a win, and while going to a shootout means that each team has effectively held off the other to get to this point, it should not be determined by a one-on-one competition.
Another factor is the number of opportunities teams will find in OT period. How many times have you heard, “if there were only a couple more minutes, they’d have scored” after an OT is over with no winner emerging? There’s no doubt the four-on-four is more exciting hockey. Now imagine three-on-three, with the diminished ability to defend, and take some of the more skilled players. I believe it would make for very exciting and entertaining overtime periods, without the need to resort to player vs. goalie in a shootout.
The shootout is very entertaining, but I don’t believe it embodies the spirit of the game as a team sport. I would much rather a team takes a win or loss as a team, rather than on the shoulders of their goalies and shooters alone.
Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.
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