It seems the excitement of 3-on-3 overtime has the decision-makers at NHL headquarters thinking bigger about the high-stakes, electrifying end-to-end action format. Per TSN's Bob McKenzie, appearing on a recent episode of Insider Trading, the NHL will adopt a 3-on-3 divisional tournament for its annual All-Star event in lieu of an actual game.
In recent years, the All-Star game's mediocre, ineffectual product has left many wanting more out of a competition that boasts many of the league's stars. The hope seems to be that the new 3-on-3 format will rejuvenate the festivities. From McKenzie (h/t to Yahoo Sports)...
"There's going to be a 3-on-3 mini-game format for the All-Star Game. The National Hockey League Players Association recently signed off on that format, and the expectation is that the League will be making some sort of formal announcement about it tomorrow.
"What we believe to be the case is that the fantasy draft will be dead. Instead, there will be four divisional teams - nine or 10 skaters apiece, a couple of goaltenders. The two teams in the Eastern Conference would play a 20-minute mini-game. The two teams in the Western Conference would play a 20-minute mini-game. And then you would have the two winners play a 20-minute mini-game."
The NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft led to quite a bit of raucous - and, at times, line-crossing - fun, but, alas, it seems to be no more.
What's most intriguing about the development is that some NHL players have already spoken out vehemently against the 3-on-3 overtime format. It will be interesting to see if their objections - should they make the All-Star team - reach all the way to the league's annual limp-wristed battle of the stars.
