As a die-hard hockey fan, it’s my firm belief that the NHL should follow in the footsteps of the AHL and reconsider the way games are decided after 60 minutes of play. Why? It’s simple — I enjoy the game of hockey. Sure, watching three or more rounds of players going one-on-one with the goalie is fun and exciting, but it’s not nearly as rewarding as a game won with creative passing, good net traffic, or an aggressive forecheck. Fans love the shootout? I’d much rather see a flawlessly executed three-on-two opportunity decide a late-season game. Although it may seem like player safety is at the forefront of rule changes in the NHL as of late, games won after the 60-minute mark should be given much more attention.
This year, the AHL restructured their overtime format in what was a smart and successful attempt to have games finished before the shootout. With one seven-minute period, teams skate four-on-four until the first whistle after three minutes have passed. Following that, teams will skate three-on-three until the end of the period. Then, and only then, a shootout will take place. The NHL’s overtime rules are drastically different and in my opinion, much more boring. Five measly minutes of four-on-four play followed by a best-0f-three shootout.
Last year, more than 60 percent of games that went to overtime in the AHL led to a shootout. That’s more than 60 percent of games that weren’t decided in 65 minutes and instead ended by one shooter against a goalie. Through this point in the season, less than 20 percent of games have gone to a shootout. That’s means more game-winning clappers from the point, more lamp-lighting one-timers to the back of the net, and more chaos-ensuing redirects that end the game the way it deserves to be.
What should the NHL do? Figure out a way to make both players and coaches work for that sudden-death goal. Personally, I suggest one 10-minute period where teams skate four-on-four until the first whistle after five minutes. After that, three-on-three for the remainder of the frame. That would provide not only more open ice for players, but more opportunities for coaches to continue the chess match against one another. If one team’s top line is tired, switch it up and defend the opposing team’s snipers with your best back-checking defensemen. Maybe just one defenseman and two forwards. Maybe the other way around. With the ever-changing level of competition and skill the league is treated to on a nightly basis, five minutes of four-on-four play simply isn’t enough for teams to win the majority of games before shootouts inevitably ensue.
During a time when player safety is the main topic of conversation amongst league rule changes, it’s time for a shift in focus. Let’s let “hockey” win games, not a breakaway challenge. Save that artificialness for the skills competition in January.
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