EDMONTON -- The early reviews from audiences are all good: the NHL's new 3-on-3 format is fun, it's thrilling and, ultimately, it should mean less games are decided by the skills competition that is the shootout.
There's also this:
Honestly, coaches and players are still trying to wrap their heads around how to best approach the dang thing.
'You'll see players get caught on the ice because if you change, it's a 3-on-2. If you change at the wrong time it's a guaranteed out-numbered rush. Guys have a tendency to get caught out there and be a little more tired'
The Winnipeg Jets opened their pre-season with some 3-on-3 in Tuesday's 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild and were served another helping of it Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place.