Colorado Avalanche overtime periods will look different next year. The NHL Board of Governors approved the 3-on-3 format for overtime.
The 3-on-3 format of overtime has long been in place at the AHL level. However, it’s only been proposed for the NHL as a way to increases scoring in OT and reduce instances of the shootout. Such open ice increases turnovers and odd man rushes, creating more scoring chances.
The 3-on-3 format has only been seen in the NHL when both teams have a player in the penalty box, as in this game between the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames:
Pretty exciting, no?