The NHL is moving to 3-on-3 overtime hockey beginning in 2015-16 and the change has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans love the fact that the league is trying to reduce the emphasis on the shootout while others fear this is yet another gimmick. Those mixed feelings are also seen in various NHL players, but Roberto Luongo is one goaltender who thinks the change will be exciting.
Cory Schneider has already stated he thinks the change will be fun for fans, but he personally doesn’t think it’ll be good for goaltenders and their statistics. Meanwhile, Luongo admits it may be frustrating for goalies but believes the overall product will improve and fans will love the change.
Via NHL.com:
“It’s going to be better than a shootout. There’s going to be a lot of scoring chances, and I think that’s what you want in hockey. There’s going to be 2-on-1s and breakaways; if you miss a 2-on-1 on one side, it’s going to be a 2-on-1 the other way coming back. A lot of games will end in the 3-on-3, and at times it will be frustrating for goaltenders. But it will be exciting, and that’s what the fans need.”
Ultimately, 3-on-3 overtime is closer to “real hockey” than the shootout and that should appease detractors of the skills competition. The format will be chaotic and wide open, but that should be what makes it so much fun. The solution isn’t perfect, but it’s an improvement.
