New Overtime Format Affect on the Los Angeles Kings

The NHL introduced a new overtime format that will be used this coming season. And I think this change will be a good thing for the Los Angeles Kings. Instead of going to 4 on 4 after regulation time is over in a tie game, it will be 3 on 3. Travis Hughes of Broadstreet Hockey broke it down nicely:

"BASICS: It’s 3-on-3 play for five sudden-death minutes.PENALTIES & POWER PLAYS: If a penalty is taken in overtime, the teams play 4-on-3. (Essentially, the team on the power play just adds another player.) If a second penalty is taken, the teams will play 5-on-3. If a penalty carries over from regulation, the teams will play at 4-on-3.“At no time will a team have fewer than three skaters on the ice during the overtime period.”IF TIED AFTER OVERTIME: If a goal isn’t scored, the game moves to a three-round shootout. Apply the same shootout rules as in previous years.BE CAREFUL PULLING YOUR GOALIE: If you pull your goalie for an extra attacker in overtime, and the other team scores into your empty net, you’ll forfeit the one point you gained by forcing overtime."

The Kings are in need of something to change once the clock runs out. Many people point to the Kings terrible record in overtime and shootouts as the key reason why they didn’t make the playoffs. Last season, their record was 3-15. That’s bad. Really bad. Especially when you look at the team’s history over the past handful of seasons:

2015 – 3-15
2014 – 12-8
2013 – 3-5
2012 – 9-15
2011 – 11-6

As you can see, the 2015 overtime/shootout record was much worse than any in the most recent years. Both offense and goaltending didn’t get the job done last season. Shooters couldn’t hit the back of the net and the opposing team seems to have figured out how to beat Quick. The change to 3 on 3 will be good for the Kings for a few reasons:

1. DREW DOUGHTY

Doughty was #2 in average time on ice last season behind one other defenseman – Ryan Suter. His endurance combined with his natural offensive ability makes him the perfect d-man to have in 3 on 3 competition. It’s going to be fun to watch Drew dangle and make some pretty plays happen with so much open ice.

2. OFFENSIVE PAIRS

Most people are assuming teams will have 2 forwards and 1 defenseman on the ice for 3 on 3 action. The pairs I foresee the Kings using are:

– KOPITAR and GABORIK
– CARTER and TOFFOLI
– WEAL and PEARSON

Some may wonder why Weal and Pearson are ahead of Lucic, Brown, or Shore. The reason for this is simple. Pearson has ridiculous speed and acceleration. 3 on 3 play is built for fast players. And Weal has had experience in the AHL with the 3 on 3 format because they tested it within that league prior to implementing it in the NHL. That experience will be beneficial.

3. DAZZLY JONATHAN QUICK SAVES

How many times have we seen Quick make a dazzling save that makes the highlight reel? TONS. Quick thrives under pressure and highly competitive moments. He’s going to make some unthinkable saves in 3 on 3 competition that will lead to the Kings getting the W.

The change to 3 on 3 overtime hockey will be a great thing for the Kings. After such a terrible (worst in the league) showing in overtime and shootouts last year, a change is needed. Fortunately, the change comes from the league rather than LA Kings personnel and roster.

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