Some like it, some don't. A couple of opinions from three NHLers:
Kris Letang ( Pittsburgh)
..."I think it will reduce the time we spend on the ice. For guys that are logging 25, 30 minutes, adding and adding time, the game would finish faster.
There would be less of a system [executed by players]. Some teams want to kill the clock and go to overtime or a shootout, but with three-on-three, you can?t really kill the clock or [play] tight coverage because there?s so much room."
Erik Karlsson (Ottawa)
..."I think three-on-three will be tough. It will be a lot more skating, and it will be harder on some players, but it?s a great one if you want to end the game because it opens up a lot.
I?ve always liked shootouts, so I have no real issue with it.?
Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim)
?I honestly don?t know if [three-on-three] will be good or bad or what it?ll be...I know we have the shootout that helps decide things, and it?s generally the same guys, but when you?re talking about doing that in the overtime, you?re limiting another group of players that aren?t going to see the ice.
?I do like the shootout. Everyone has the same chance to win games, whether it?s in regulation, overtime or shootout. I am a big believer in ending games. I don?t like the tie.?
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-overtime-three-on-three-four-on-four-shootout-letang-karlsson-getzlaf-rule/