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Changes are coming to the NHL. On Wednesday, the NHL released its preseason's schedule for 3-on-3 OT games. In total there will be a total of 45 preseason games that will feature these overtime rules. This new introduction will hopefully prepare players, coaches and even fans for the new regular season format which will be implemented this season.
The new format for overtime will have a sudden death 3-on-3 overtime period lasting 5 minutes. Following this, if the score remains tied they will continue on to a shootout. A new feature of the overtime rules is the power play. They will be 4-on-3 power plays. The new rule states that a team cannot have fewer than three skaters on the ice, meaning they will add a player when on the power play.
Devils OT Games
The Devils are slated to have three games featuring the new overtime format during the preseason. All match-ups will be against fierce rivals, hopefully adding to the flair of the 3-on-3 format. The first of which will be against the Islanders on September 23rd. The next will be September 26th against the Rangers and the final one will be against the Flyers on September 30th.
These games, regardless of the score at the end of regulation will feature the overtime period. If tied at the end of regulation, the game will continue to the shootout, identical to the regular season's format. If the score is not tied at the end of regulation, the game will feature only the 3-on-3 period as a test.
Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts on the new overtime rules? How do you like them? Do you think they will benefit or hurt the Devils? How will the entire NHL respond? Will more games end in OT this year? Let us know your thoughts and thanks for reading!