NHL approves 3-on-3 overtime, coach’s challenge

The NHL Board of Governors approved two rule changes that will go into effect in the 2015-16 season on Wednesday.

The NHL will now implement one coach's challenge per team each game at the request of the NHL Players Association. Additionally, the NHL will also go to 3-on-3 overtime starting this season.

Plays that are now reviewable by coach's challenge including scoring plays involving goalie interference and offsides resulting in a goal. Teams must have their timeout in order to use the coach's challenge and if the call on the ice is not overturned as a result, the team forfeits their timeout.

In addition, any play that can be reviewed on a coach's challenge is subject to an official review in the final minute of regulation and overtime. All goals, including plays that can be reviewed under a coach's challenge, will be reviewed and confirmed before play continues. 

The 3-on-3 overtime was tested last season in the AHL, but it will not be used the same way in the NHL. Instead of opening at 4-on-4 for five minutes before moving to 3-on-3, overtime will begin at 3-on-3 with a five-minute period as usual. Following the five minutes, the game will move to a three-round shootout.

In the event of a penalty during the overtime or carrying over from regulation, teams will play at 4-on-3 for a man-advantage and 5-on-3 for a two-man advantage.

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.