The NHL adopted 3-on-3 overtime back in 2015, to mixed reviews. The most notable benefit is that play outside of regulation doesn’t last very long in this format. The open ice gives more opportunity for scoring and a faster pace of play, making the whole affair pretty tidy in that five minute period. This also leads to fewer shootouts, which is great from a marketing perspective
But most of the players seem to view it as a gimmick, especially after the All Star game adopted the 3-on-3 format. Goaltenders across the board aren’t fans, but skaters have also spoken up.