New AHL Overtime Rules

[AlaskaFlyerFan]

In case you didn't know, game format rules are usually tested in the AHL before being instituted in the NHL. They did it with the hybrid icing rule and this year they are testing a new overtime format.

OLD RULE:

Exactly the same as last year's NHL rule except for the 5 player Shootout (NHL is 3). Dry scrape the center of the rink (4 passes of the zamboni) between the overtime period and the Shootout.

NEW RULE:

There will be a dry scrape of the ENTIRE rink before the overtime begins. The overtime is extended to seven minutes. Playing strength will be 4-on-4 until the first whistle following the three minute mark of the period (first whistle with less than 4 mins on the clock). After that whistle, they'll play 3-on-3 until the end of OT.

If the game is still tied after the seven minutes, they'll go to the usual three-player shootout to decide things.

This format will not eliminate the Shootout but the hope is that more games will be decided before it gets to that.

[hf101]

Only 2 of 15 overtime games in the AHL so far this year have gone through to a shootout (13%). That's compared to 13 of 22 for the NHL (59%).

[fan4ever]

@hf101

 

bring it to the NHL now....we hate the shootout and we suck at it.

 

Or do we have to wait until next season??

[AlaskaFlyerFan]

@hf101

 

bring it to the NHL now....we hate the shootout and we suck at it.

 

Or do we have to wait until next season??

You'll have to wait till next season.

Hybrid icing had been used in the AHL for the duration of the NHL lockout in 2012-13, but was discontinued when the National Hockey League resumed play in order to maintain a consistent application of the rule in both leagues. I don't think you'll see a rule change during the NHL season.