Major junior league introduces new 3-on-3 OT rule that may interest the NHL
A Major Junior league in Russia is testing a new rule during 3-on-3 overtime which will put players in the penalty box for two minutes if they break it.
In its current format, the NHL's 3-on-3 rules in overtime can make for some boring hockey at times. While the 3-on-3 sudden-death format for five minutes in overtime, which results in a shootout if the score remains tied, has always been controversial, I was a fan, at least at first.
The NHL adopted 3-on-3 OT for the start of the 2015-16 season after testing it in the AHL and ECHL previously. In the beginning, it led to some great sequences and swift, tense action that made for highlight reel moments. I really liked it, although I never wanted to see it in the postseason, and there are valid concerns over the points format and the five-minute length. Then, coaches and players discovered that in the 3-on-3 format, puck possession was of the utmost importance. One player going from the offensive zone all the way back into his own end, as long as he maintained possession, was absolutely fine if there wasn't a clear opportunity for a good play on the goaltenders. That cut way down on turnovers, odd-man rushes, and the urgency of the 3-on-3 format. It also cut down on the fun, in my opinion. Now, we have a league that has a possible solution.
The MHL is Russia's version of the major junior hockey leagues in Canada (WHL, OHL, and QMJHL). It is under the control of the KHL, which is the number two league in the world behind the NHL. The league is currently in its 2024-25 preseason and has the exact same 3-on-3 OT rules as the NHL. However, in a twist this season the league has added a two-minute penalty for any player that takes the puck from the offensive zone to his own end of the redline There are some conditions, such as getting at least one chance before a penalty is called.
For now, it seems the MHL will give players a chance to get used to the new rules before handing out a penalty on the first violation in the overtime period. However, I can definitely see it leading to more of the things that OT should be known for in the NHL's regular season.(Note: BR_OpenIce on X incorrectly lists the following video as being from the KHL.
Right now, there is a mixed reaction to the announcement from the MHL. It is very much in its early stages at the moment and will need several more games to see if it leads to an unacceptable number of penalties, or if analysts, coaches, and players determine another way to slow things down in a format meant to produce moments that showcase players' speed and skills. I am willing to give it a chance in the trial stages to see if tweaks are needed before judging the outcomes. There has been talk of extending OT periods in the NHL before a shootout is required. I'm not sure I'm interested in more time if it means more backtracking with the puck.
| POLL | ||
What do you think of the new 3-on-3 OT rules introduced by the MHL? | ||
| I like it | 45 | 42.1 % |
| I really hate it | 19 | 17.8 % |
| I'm not sure | 27 | 25.2 % |
| It needs more testing | 16 | 15 % |
| List of polls | ||
