3-on-3 Overtime: Why it Will Help the Avalanche

Apr 7, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Jarome Iginla (12) celebrates his goal with center Matt Duchene (9) and defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) in the second period against the Nashville Predators at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In a playoff race as close as the Western Conference’s is expected to be, every single point matters. The NHL’s new 3-on-3 overtime rule may help the Colorado Avalanche, who lost many games in the shootout last season, earn some of those important extra points.

In the 2014-15 campaign, the Avalanche missed the playoffs by just nine points. It is quite safe to say that a different overtime rule would not have changed that. However, the team is expected to get even closer to the playoffs next season, which is where 3-on-3 overtime could be the game-winning change.

Here’s a first look at what that 3-on-3 overtime can look like, or rather did look like in the AHL. It gives you a good impression of how much room players have, and what matters the most in those situations.

Next: 3-on-3 OT Purpose