Quote:
Originally Posted by tkflames
Really well thought out post and the type of tourney I could get excited about. A few considerations:
1. 11 games is too much. Most veterans currently play 2-4 preseason games. They also need to connect with their group and get ready for the season. Maybe change it to single elimination or single elimination after day 1.
2. Injuries may be a consideration for teams.
3. I am not sure you need PS instead of Penalties. I would also say that drastic changes like goalie without a stick is not required. Straight to the shootout. This is a gimmick tournament for purists anyways...so might as well maximize entertainment for those new to the sport.
4. I do think this format would be a good entry point for people new to the sport.
I think people would watch. 3 on 3 has high entertainment value for non purists and it develops the NHLs gambling stream which looks to be getting a lot of attention.
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It's only possible for one team to play 11 games (and a game is only the equivalent of 1 period of hockey anyway), and that is even a fairly unlikely scenario). Sixteen teams play 3 games or less, and another 6 teams only play 4 games. Most of the tournament would overlap with rookie camp for the NHL teams, so for the vets this tournament is really just replacing the pickup games most of them play at winsport anyway.
Injuries are possible, but they're also possible at camp or in pick up games the guys play anyway. Injuries in 3 on 3 seem pretty rare in the NHL, so I think the injury threat is low, and these games should generate significant HRR anyway, so both the players union and the NHL would probably be ok with them.
The other rule changes I mentioned are pretty unimportant to the overall idea, and I agree they're probably not needed. Although I do think almost everyone prefers sudden death to a shootout in an elimination game.