First off this is one of those things that doesn't really have a clear cut "right" answer. There are flaws with any and all suggestions.
I hate shoot outs.
I hate gimmicks.
I actually didn't mind ties (at least all games were worth 2 points, with teams splitting them).
So if I can't have ties I like a format that avoids a shoot out more often than not. Is 3 on 3 hockey? Sure it is. Hockey is two teams trying to put the puck in the net before the other side. 3 on 3 can happen in a hockey game within regulation time, so why not use it to keep games from going to a skills competition.
Can't wait to see coaches play with this though. Have to think the two down deep guys have to have the guy without the puck heading south to cover for the late guy about to take the pass. We saw what happened yesterday when both deep players go to the net and look for a rebound.
Calgary certainly has the horses for this, will be interesting to see how Hartley shortens his bench.
Have to think it will be a fix of 2F and 1D and 1F and 2D. Flames have a huge advantage with 5 defenseman that can impact the game offensively but still cover back and avoid chaos the other way.
|