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Kings nearly unbeatable in 3-on-3 overtime

Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports

The introduction of 3-on-3 overtime last season has resonated positively with just about everyone in hockey circles, especially the Los Angeles Kings.

Needing extra time to down the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on Saturday, Los Angeles improved to 8-1 in overtime games this season. Tanner Pearson scored his second overtime winner in three games, and more importantly, the Kings moved back into a wildcard spot in the West.

Since 2015-16, the Kings have a 3-on-3 record of 20-4, best in the NHL, according to Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West. Considering their combined 3-6 record in shootouts dating back to last season, it's safe to assume Los Angeles prefers to get it done before the skills competition.

The Kings win in overtime the same way they win in regulation: dominating possession. Los Angeles owns an NHL-best 67.39 corsi-for percentage in nine extra periods this season (corsica-hockey).

With the likes of Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, and Drew Doughty among the names Darryl Sutter can choose from to start the extra frame, it's no wonder they're so tough to beat.

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