[link_box id=”22277″ site_id=”17″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]You can always count on a strange hockey story from the KHL. This time they delivered with a decision which is almost too shocking to believe. The KHL has decided to adopt the 3-on-3 format for overtime and they plan on having the rule go into effect during the course of their current season on December 15th.
KHL Board of Directors approved the change to a 3-on-3 format overtime in regular season. Changes take action on December 15.
— KHL (@khl_eng) December 14, 2016
We have so many questions about this decision.
Who thought this was a good idea to change during the current season? What was the final straw that made those in charge of the league say, “OK, now is the best time to do this.” How will the players handle such a change when they haven’t been preparing or training for any 3-on-3 play?
What about the standings? The change won’t directly impact any team’s record from earlier this season, but it seems insane to make this big of a change when different teams around the league are at a different spot on their schedule in terms of games played.
The KHL is often scrutinized for its integrity and how poorly the league treats its players. This decision directly supports both of those arguments – a massive change in the middle of the season which suddenly alters the season and forces players to suddenly start training for something they’ve been given no time to prepare for.
There’s really no telling what the KHL will do next.
