Bettman's biting response to 3-on-3 criticism: 'Shut up, don't complain'

Gary Bettman is fed up with criticism of the NHL's new overtime.

In his speaking appearance at the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and the morning after Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask became the latest NHL player to critique the format, the NHL commissioner was a touch sour in his response to the idea that 3-on-3 is not "real hockey."

"Shut up. Don't complain," Bettman said, according to NESN's Nicholas W. Goss. "Why would you demean your own product?"

It was said rather casually, but it has been a rough day for the commissioner. In addition to having his engagement picked apart online, Bettman saw his 20-game suspension levied to Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman chopped down to 10 by a neutral arbitrator.