The NHL is rolling out 3-on-3 overtime this season in an effort to add some excitement to the game. This is the latest evolution of the NHLs methods of determining a winner since disposing of ties going into the 2005-06 season. The AHL has implemented its own version of this overtime format, which starts with 4-on-4 and after three minutes if no one has scored, goes to 3-on-3 forfour minutes, and then the shootout. According to the NHL, with these rules, 75 percent of games that werent decided in regulation were decided before the shootout. When operating with the straight five-minute 4-on-4, only 35.3 percent of AHL games were decided before the shootout. MORE: | Given these results, the NHL decided to move forward with 3-on-3 overtime. What is the format for 3-on-3 NHL overtime? Unlike the AHLs version, the NHL overtime will be 3-on-3 for the entire five-minute sudden death period. There will be no more 4-on-4 overtime played in the NHL. Sammy Blais Jersey What happens if the game is still tied after the 3-on-3 overtime period? The shootout rules remain the same. If the two teams are tied after the overtime period, they will have a best-of-three shootout, and if still tied, will go to a sudden death shootout. What happens if a team takes a penalty during the 3-on-3 overtime? If a team takes a penalty during the 3-on-3 overtime, the other team gets to add a skater. There will never be fewer than three skaters on the ice for either team. If a team commits two penalties, the other team will get a fifth skater. If a team needs to carry over a power play from regulation, the overtime period will begin as a 4-on-3 (or 5-on-3, if nece sary). Can a team pull its goalie in overtime? A team is permitted to pull its goalie for overtime to get an extra attacker. However, if its opponent scores on the empty net, that team forfeits the point that is automatically awarded for an overtime lo s. For example, if the Blackhawks pull Corey Crawford during overtime to get four skaters, but Lightning forward Steven Stamkos scores into the empty net, the Blackhawks dont get a point for getting to overtime. What does 3-on-3 overtime look like? The Lightning and Flyers played the first official overtime game on the second night of the season. Jason Garrison scored the winner for the Lightning at 2:17. Lightning coach Jon Coopers word to See for yourself. This is the whole overtime period. And this is Garrisons winner. Robert Thomas Jersey