NHL to adopt 3-on-3 OT pending approval; will also vote on coaches' challenges

The NHL took a major step toward adopting 3-on-3 overtime and allowing coaches challenges on goaltender interference calls at the general manager's meeting in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Pending approval by the Board of Governors on Wednesday, the league will implement 3-on-3 overtime for five minutes in regular-season games beginning next season, as first reported by TSN's Bob McKenzie.

If the change is approved, the league will do away with the previous format of a five-minute 4-on-4 overtime period prior to a shootout.

A shootout would still take place under the new proposed format if the teams remain tied after the five minutes of 3-on-3 play.

The NHLPA was reportedly strongly opposed to the AHL overtime format where teams play four minutes of 4-on-4, then three minutes of 3-on-3.

That left the NHL with the choice of keeping the status quo (five minutes of 4-on-4) or adopting 3-on-3 for five minutes, and the league has reportedly chosen the latter, pending approval.

The board will also vote Wednesday on whether to allow coaches' challenges on goaltender interference calls, as reported by Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.

McKenzie provided more details on that decision, adding that offside goals could also be challenged by coaches if approved.