The joint NHL/NHLPA Competition Committee is "recommending the implementation of a limited coach's challenge on scoring plays but they have not yet reached any consensus on changing the overtime format," according to Kevin Allen of USA TODAY. NHL GMs in March "recommended changing the current 4-on-4 overtime format to include 3-on-3 play with the hope of reducing the number of games decided by a shootout." But players have "expressed reservations about using 3-on-3 because it will put more wear and tear on the skilled players and they are not convinced it will have the same results in the NHL" that it did during a trial period in the AHL. There has "never been any consideration of eliminating the shootout because surveys indicate fans generally like the shootout" (USA TODAY, 6/5). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Adam Proteau noted the competition committee "recommended league coaches be permitted to challenge goals that involve goaltender interference and offside plays with a video review." Goalie interference challenges would be "considered by on-ice officials, while offside challenges would be addressed by the NHL’s video review center in Toronto." If a coach has already used his timeout, he is "unable to challenge any play" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/4).
