We’re just weeks away from the end of the 98th National Hockey League season, and already big changes are being discussed to make the 99th season even more exciting than the last.
In something of a shock for the NHL, it has now been revealed that three-on-three play in overtime will be allowed in league matches, and the change could come in as early as the 2015/2016 season, which begins this October.
General managers in Boca Raton, Florida, made the claim in early March, although a format decision and final approvals are still pending. They came up with two options in relation to the overtime rule: a switch to three-on-three play for five minutes – one which is currently used by the Swedish Hockey League to great effect – or a four-on-four to three-on-three approach, similar to that which is currently used in the American Hockey League. 
We now have three months to wait to see whether or not the recommendations will materialise. In June, both the NHL and NHLPA competition committee will meet to approve any rule changes. At the same time, they will also consider another recommendation from general managers at the NHL: whether or not to institute a “coach’s challenge system” for goaltender interference. If approved, coaches will soon be able to challenge an interference from a goalie, only on goals scored and only if they have their timeout left.
It’s a complicated set of changes which could affect a number of aspects of a game which attracts millions of viewers worldwide. Without a doubt, there will certainly be loopholes to consider, which in turn could have an effect on wagers being placed on future games. Representatives at Betsafe are already taking bets on the forthcoming Stanley Cup final in April, but terms and conditions could be subject to change if the rule changes go ahead.
Gary Bettman, commissioner for the NHL, also addressed the issue of shootouts with respect to the new rule changes. He said: “The consensus in the room, overwhelmingly, is we’re not getting rid of the shootout. It was ‘how do you reduce the number of games that go to the shootout, keep the shootout special.’”
Ultimately, however, the decision is down to the players. Detroit Red Wings manager Ken Holland said: “We’re going to take it to the competition committee, basically see what the players feel about it. But we’re going to make a change.”
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