When the NHL introduced 3-on-3 play in overtime nearly a decade ago, it was with the intent of showcasing the speed and skill that hockey has to offer. However, in recent years, the pace of 3-on-3 has slowed down, raising concerns among league officials. As a result, they have been considering rule changes to spice up the format, such as implementing a rule that would not allow the puck to go back past the center red line, similar to the 'over and back' violation in basketball.
This particular rule has been in place in the 3ICE league since its inception, and as the league prepares for its third season this spring and summer, it offers the NHL an opportunity to observe how this experiment works and evaluate its potential for future use.
One advocate for the 'over-and-back' rule is Larry Murphy, a Hall of Famer, four-time Stanley Cup champion, and coach in the 3ICE league. Murphy expressed his support for the NHL adopting this rule, stating, 'What's great about the red line over-and-back rule is it puts a little more pressure on the team with possession of the puck. They have a smaller area to work with, which adds excitement to the game.'
Murphy's team claimed the Patrick Cup as 3ICE champions last year, and he is back to defend their title. He is one of six Hall of Fame players serving as coaches for the league's eight teams, alongside Ray Bourque, Joe Mullen, Grant Fuhr, Guy Carbonneau, and Pierre Turgeon, who will join the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Joining the distinguished group of coaches this season is retired New Jersey Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko. Despite his rugged style of play during his career, Daneyko supports what the NHL has done with 3-on-3 overtime and believes that coaching in the 3ICE league will provide him with valuable insights before recommending rule changes to the top league in the world. 'I don't think it's taken away from the excitement,' Daneyko said. 'The rules of 3ICE, I think it's the right thing for the league, and if the NHL likes it as well and adopts it, okay, I'd be all for it.'
Not every player has a strong preference when it comes to the potential rule change. Cale Makar, the 2022 playoff MVP and Norris Trophy winner as the league's top defenseman, is content with how 3-on-3 overtime is currently structured. 'I am indifferent on that,' Makar stated. 'You utilize speed coming out of the zone, but if it's the red line, it's fine. I still think there's a lot of action.'
EJ Johnston, the founder and CEO of 3ICE, revealed that there have been ongoing discussions between his organization and NHL officials. Johnston mentioned that NHL officials are particularly interested in the over-and-back rule. He explained, 'You cannot go into the offensive zone, skate the puck out, and cross the center-ice line without it being a turnover. The whistle blows, and the other team gets the puck. In 3-on-3, possession is very, very precious.'
While the NHL appreciates the potential benefits of this rule, there are still some questions about how it would be implemented and whether it could result in additional, unnecessary stoppages in overtime. General managers are expected to discuss various possibilities at their annual March meeting, a conversation that the American Hockey League will closely monitor, considering its affiliation with the NHL.
As the 3ICE league gears up for another exciting season, it presents an opportunity for the NHL to assess the feasibility of implementing the over-and-back rule in its own overtime format. Whether this rule change ultimately makes its way into the NHL or not, the discussions surrounding it serve as a reminder of the continuous efforts to enhance and evolve the game of hockey.
