More NHL overtime changes

March 18, 2015

Another year, another set of NHL overtime rule changes. Right now about 60% of overtime games end in a shootout. The NHL GMs want to see that number get closer to 40%. They’re considering a couple possible changes to how overtime is played, with the hope that the changes will drive up OT goal scoring. I wrote an article for Deadspin today looking at the effect these changes might have. It looks like either of the two options they’re considering will have a much more dramatic effect than any of the rules changes they’ve implemented over the past few years.