With news spreading that the NHL is looking to introduce a new format for overtime, today we’ll look at what starting lines we could see for 3-on-3 hockey for each of the Canadian teams.
The Best 3-on-3 Lines for Canadian NHL Teams
Montreal Canadiens
Max Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk, P.K. Subban
Pacioretty is one of the top goal scorers in the NHL, but the biggest question the Canadiens have is who they would want to be out there to set him up. Montreal has great depth at centre, with Tomas Plekanec and David Desharnais being suitable options, but the progress Galchenyuk has shown this season makes him an intriguing choice. We also can’t forget that they’d have Subban out there, whose dynamic play could have the most benefit of anyone with the extra ice.
Vancouver Canucks
Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Alex Edler
There wouldn’t be too much deliberation for the Canucks, as the Sedins have played on the same line in every other situation, so this would be no exception. Their playmaking skills and ability to find each other with no-look passes would make it very difficult for defenders to stop them with all the extra room they would have. Edler would be a good match for the third man on this unit, as he regularly plays on the same powerplay unit as the Sedins and knows where to go to get open for a one-timer.
Winnipeg Jets
Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Dustin Byfuglien
The Jets have found success this season by being a big team that is tough to play against. Having both Wheeler and Byfuglien on the ice would create havoc for the opposition, giving Scheifele space to be able to set up Wheeler in front, or Byfuglien on the point for a heavy shot. Andrew Ladd could also be used in place of one of the forwards, as could Jacob Trouba on the blue line.
Calgary Flames
Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Mark Giordano
The Flames quick rebuild has brought them many promising young players, including Gaudreau and Monahan, who have played very well together. The Flames would also have Jiri Hudler and possibly Sam Bennett to use here as well, giving them a number of options. With one of the league’s best defencemen in Giordano at the point, the Flames should be dangerous during the 3-on-3 overtime.
Ottawa Senators
Bobby Ryan, Mika Zibanejad, Erik Karlsson
The late season surge by the Senators has shown hockey fans that Karlsson is still more than capable of flying up and down the ice to create and prevent plays. Giving him all that extra space on the ice would make it even easier for him to control the play. Ryan is known to have great hands, and we could see more of his moves once he gets the puck with extra time and space.
Toronto Maple Leafs
James van Riemsdyk, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly
If the Maple Leafs are to go through a full rebuild, that should mean Phil Kessel, Tyler Bozak, Dion Phaneuf, Joffrey Lupul, and possibly Nazem Kadri are all moved out over the summer. If that is the case, then this could be prospect Nylander’s chance to show off the skill-set that got Leafs fans excited about drafting him in the first place.
Edmonton Oilers
Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Justin Schultz
The Oilers haven’t been too successful over the last number of years, but there’s no denying that they have some talented players on their roster. 3-on-3 hockey could be where the Oilers shine the most, since their forwards wouldn’t be up against as much defence as they normally are and would be able to create more plays, which should ultimately get more wins.
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