The first game of the playoffs (well, the first of the ‘actual’ playoffs) was a 5OT marathon between Tampa and Columbus. The game was so long that the rest of the slate couldn’t be played, thus pushing Carolina/Boston to 11am the next day. Since then, there has been chatter about the NHL playoff overtime format. That it needs to be changed.
The Current Format
The current format produces some of the most exciting hockey. Every shot matters. Every turnover and failed clear matters. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Of course it could be a terrible experience if your team is involved, but for everyone else it is pure entertainment.
Every now and then we get some 5OT games that stretch a little into boredom. But for the most part, these games are over in two overtimes or less. Why change the format in an overreaction to one game?
The Shootout
Just no. No no no no no. The shootout is not the answer to long overtime games. It’s a gimmick in the regular season, and it would ruin the playoffs. How bad would it be to have two overtimes of great, intense hockey, only to have it decided by a shootout? Come on. This is a bad idea.
Would the Derek Stepan winner have happened if there was a shootout? The raw emotion of scoring that golden goal would be eliminated.
Four-on-four Overtime
This is something that I’ve seen make the rounds. It is certainly better than the shootout, but still not ideal. There’s some merit, as at least it’s still legitimate hockey. Fewer players on the ice means more wide open chances. It’s also a bit better than 3-on-3 since 4-on-4 hockey is seen a little bit more often.
Going 4-on-4 in overtime should in theory reduce the number of OT periods played. If that’s the overall goal of altering the format, then it might be the least intrusive option. It will likely give teams the opportunity to use even less of their bench. With more rest, there’s no need to play the depth players as often. More skilled players means more scoring chances. Again, in theory.
Just Call Penalties?
The biggest issue with overtime nowadays is that the refs swallow the whistle unless it’s an obvious penalty. And even then, it’s a 50/50 chance the penalty is actually called. That’s why the game extends far beyond the expected one or two overtimes.
Think about it, in the regular season there are almost no 0-0 games that go to the shootout. That’s because teams get powerplays. Teams are forced to play down a man or two for extended periods of time. Yet in the playoffs, refs swallow the whistle in the third period of close games. The refs then forget they even have whistles in overtime.
Just call penalties in overtime. It’s ok. The rules of the game still need to be followed. A guy shouldn’t have to be mauled in order to draw a penalty. If he’s hooked, call it! Just play the normal game of hockey and these 5OT games will be an even rarer occurrence than they are now.
The NHL playoff overtime format does not need to be changed at all. They just need to start calling penalties. Play the game the way it should be played. There’s no need for cheap tricks and gimmicks to get games to end sooner.
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