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NHL planning move to 3-on-3 overtime period next season

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland speaks with the media after a meeting of NHL hockey general managers Tuesday, June 23, 2015, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland speaks with the media after a meeting of NHL hockey general managers Tuesday, June 23, 2015, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

By Associated Press June 23, 2015 1 min read

LAS VEGAS (AP) – The NHL plans to play three-on-three overtime next season.

The league’s general managers and the NHL Players’ Association agreed Tuesday to change its regular-season overtime period from four-on-four hockey to three-on-three.

The Board of Governors still must approve the change Wednesday when it meets in Las Vegas.

A shootout will still take place if games remain tied after five minutes of three-on-three play, but the change is expected to reduce the number of shootouts.

The players’ union apparently was opposed to the AHL format, which begins with four minutes of four-on-four hockey and three minutes of three-on-three.

The NHL began playing four-on-four overtime in 1999, and it added the shootout in 2005.

The Board also will consider a recommendation to allow coaches to challenge goalie interference calls and offside goals.